Tough CA House rules set to tame trouble makers

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Mr Pandu Ameir Kificho.
Members of the Constituent Assembly (CA) who will disrespect the chair could be suspended for several days, according to the proposed Standing Orders.

Part 9 of the proposals contains a number of sections outlining what members are not supposed to do or say and punishment for those who will not abide by regulations.

Habitual offenders could be suspended for up to five days, according to the proposals presented to members yesterday. The punishment will be meted out by the assembly’s Rights and Privileges Committee upon receiving complaints from the chairperson.

According to the proposals, the chairperson can prescribe punishment for a number of offences, while penalties against repeat offenders can only be imposed by the Rights and Privileges Committee upon being advised by the chairperson.

The proposals seek to empower the chairperson to ensure that civility and proper conduct prevail during debate as well as check misconduct both in and outside the debating chamber.

Section 92 gives the chairperson the authority to cut short a member’s contribution and order him or her to withdraw remarks deemed to contravene the Standing Orders.

If a member refuses to withdraw such remarks, the chairperson, according to Section 92(3), shall order the member to leave the debating chamber and stay out for the reminder of the day.

In case the member refuses to leave, the chairperson will ask the Sergeant-at-Arms or any other security officer to remove the errant delegate from the debating chamber and he or she will be barred from three consecutive sessions.

The Rights Privileges Committee can suspend a member for not more than five days if he or she commits another offence. The proposals also seek to empower the committee to suspend first-time offenders for three days.

Members will debate the proposed standing orders next week after going through them over the weekend.

The assembly will elect a permanent chairperson after passing the Standing Orders. This will set the stage for President Jakaya Kikwete to officially open the CA sitting that will debate the draft constitution.

The CA earlier this week elected Mr Pandu Ameir Kificho as interim chairman.