New amendments to strengthen Bunge’s conduct

DODOMA: THE National Assembly on Wednesday passed a set of amendments to the Parliamentary Standing Orders aimed at improving the conduct and efficiency of parliamentary proceedings.

The changes are expected to take effect during the 13th Parliament, which begins in November 2025. One of the key amendments introduces a clear procedure for the House to endorse the appointment of the Vice-President when the appointment is made outside the general election period.

Another important revision is the introduction of an integrity oath for Members of Parliament, to be administered during the first sitting of each new parliamentary term.

According to the Vice Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Orders Committee, Mussa Zungu, the procedures for endorsing the appointment of the Vice President is based on the House’s previous experience in handling such a process and is designed to ensure consistency and transparency in handling such appointments.

The amendments also provide a structured process for electing Parliamentary Chairpersons and Members of the Commission in situations where the number of candidates equals the number of available posts. Previously, such elections were conducted through a collective voice vote in the House.

The revised Standing Orders further expand the grounds under which a parliamentary seat can be declared vacant, covering situations such as resignation and death.

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In a move to strengthen parliamentary record-keeping, the amendments officially recognise abstention votes during budget approvals, with MPs allowed to declare, “I do not vote,” as a formal position. Mr Zungu also noted that the amendments establish 4:00 p.m. as the official time for presenting the government budget.

This aligns with the East African Community agreement to present national budgets simultaneously.

Additionally, the Public Accounts and Public Investments committees are now required to present their reports during the October and November parliamentary sessions, reflecting the importance of timely oversight of public resources.

To improve time management in Parliament, the practice of introducing guests visiting Bunge during the sessions has been limited.

Only special national and international guests present in the chamber, or those who have made significant contributions to the nation, will now be formally introduced. Regulations have also been introduced to govern the use of the Parliamentary flag on MPs’ vehicles.

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The amendments prohibit MPs from flying the flag while driving themselves, or from displaying more than one flag at a time. The amendments require the flag be flown only when the MP is seated on the left side of the vehicle, driven by a designated driver.

Further changes include a new sub-rule that mandates the chairperson of the committee handling an international agreement, along with the Official Minority Parliamentary Group, to provide their opinions before the agreement is debated and approved by the House.