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{
    "id": 1462911,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1462911/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 37,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "(3) Abuse of Office",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Senators, it is noteworthy, and I wish to emphasize to all honourable Senators that when we come to the debate on the Motion for the establishment of the Special Committee, debate on the Motion shall be limited to the substance of the Motion, principally, whether or not to establish a Special Committee. It will not be a debate on the substance of the impeachment or its merits, propriety, prudence or even the constitutionality or the legality of the processes that have preceded the submission of this matter to the Senate. It is, therefore, not permissible to deviate to any issues other than the Motion before the Senate. In the meantime, and during the pendency of the Impeachment process in the Senate, I wish to caution honourable Senators to desist from publicly commenting on the merits or demerits of the impeachment Motion before the Senate. Doing so would amount to anticipation of debate, which is an infringement of Standing Order No.99. Therefore, it shall be out of order, within the meaning of Standing Order No.122, for any Senator to make comments, whether written or spoken, in relation to the conduct of the Governor or the impeachment process, which is outside the confines of the impeachment proceedings as such comments may prejudice the just outcome of the process. Hon. Senators, this is the fifth impeachment hearing in the 13th Parliament, and the third one involving the Governor in question. In undertaking this mandate, the Senate will be sitting as a quasi-judicial body and will conduct investigations into the alleged infractions of the Constitution and the law and thereafter make its determination on the matter. As such, this is a reminder that the impeachment hearing is not just a procedural formality, but a fundamental process that plays a crucial role in upholding the principles of democracy and good governance. This hearing is one of the most crucial oversight tools and singular roles of the Senate. Hon. Senators, obviously, this matter is one of immense public interest. I wish to emphatically reaffirm that the Senate will deliberate and reach a decision on this case purely based on its merits. The Senate will uphold the integrity of this process by ensuring objectivity and will not be influenced by external pressures or undue influence from parties outside this Chamber. I conclude by urging all honourable Senators to exercise the highest level of responsibility on this particular matter. I thank you. Next Order. The Senate Majority Leader, proceed."
}