Senators unanimously vote to endorse rules of procedure
Senate today adopted the rules of procedures which will guide the daily order of business in the Senate marking a significant step in establishing the building blocks of the new institution.
Following weeks of debate and review, Senators unanimously voted to adopt the document which serves as the roadmap in providing overall directions on how the Senate conducts its business.
First deputy speaker Senator Abshir Bukhari termed the vote historic and a significant achievement in realizing the full formation of the senate.
“Senate today marked a milestone with conclusion & adoption of Senate Rules of Procedures. A Historic Day for the Upper House,” Bukhari said in a tweet.
The document with ten articles and 95 sub articles lays out clear instructions on proceedings in the senate ranging from quorum, composition and working of committees, motions, voting in the Senate to the Senate calendar among others.
The Senate will have two sessions divided into a period of four months in a year just like the Lower House, article 6 of the Rules of Procedures states. The first session starts on January 5 and runs through to May 5th when the Senate goes on recess for two months and resumes on July 5th. Senators close business for the year on November 5th, the new rules indicate.
The rules also set the quorum for business at simple majority while subjecting senators to a disciplinary committee of the Senate if they miss committee meetings for three consecutive months.
Regarding the election of the country’s president which the Senate takes part in, the Senate secretary general will be required to present the names of the presidential candidates to the senate with the endorsement of at least 20 senators or one regional assembly.
The Senate or its committees can summon the Prime Minister, ministers or heads of constitutional bodies at the course of any enquiry. Any of these offices are also required under the Senate Rules of Procedure to respond to any queries within 30 days.