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{
"id": 1381615,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1381615/?format=api",
"text_counter": 117,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Hon. Kingi",
"speaker_title": "The Speaker",
"speaker": null,
"content": "interrupt debate and consult in a disruptive manner. This prompted his microphone to be switched off under the directions of the Temporary Speaker. Having repeatedly defied the instructions of the Temporary Speaker, the Temporary Speaker, thereafter directed the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Stewart Madzayo, MP, to withdraw from the Chamber for the remainder of the day’s sitting pursuant to Standing Order No.122 (2) (a). Hon. Senators, from the foregoing, I find that the actions of the Senate Minority Leader on 20th February, 2024, to have exhibited an act of disorderly conduct. I, therefore, make a determination to uphold the decision to suspend the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Stewart Madzayo MP, as pronounced by the then Temporary Speaker. Hon. Senators, I wish to remind you of the role of the Speaker within a legislative body. As a Presiding Officer, the Speaker is tasked with maintaining order, interpreting rules and ensuring the smooth conduct of parliamentary proceedings. The authority of the Speaker is fundamental to the proper functioning of Parliament and plays a crucial role in upholding parliamentary procedures. The Speaker has authority to enforce parliamentary rules, decide on points of order and also has the power to suspend Members for disorderly conduct and regulate debates. Article 107 of the Constitution states as follows - “At any sitting of a House of Parliament - (a) the Speaker presides; (b) in the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker presides; and, (c) in the absence of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, another member of the House elected by the House presides.” Further, Standing Order 20 (1) states as follows - “There shall be a panel to be known as the Speaker’s Panel, which shall comprise four Senators to be known, respectively, as the First, Second, Third and Fourth Panelist, who shall be entitled to exercise all the powers vested in the Chairperson of Committees of the Whole.” The Presidium, composed of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and other Senators elected pursuant to Article 107 (1) (c) of the Constitution share the authority and responsibilities of the Speaker in the context of Article 107 (1) (a) and (b) of the Constitution. While the Speaker holds the primary role, the other Members of the Presidium ensures continuity and support in the absence of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker by upholding the dignity and integrity of parliamentary proceedings. Hon. Senators, that being said, it is crucial that we reflect on the significance of upholding the directives issued by the Speaker. The directives by the Speaker are not arbitrary. They are designed to facilitate productive debates, ensure fairness, and uphold the rules and procedures of the Senate. Disregarding the directives of the Speaker undermines the authority of the Speaker and has far-reaching consequences beyond the integrity and functionality of the institution of Parliament. Such actions contribute to the erosion of parliamentary The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services, Senate."
}