Dear Editor,
Some notables stand out at the first sitting of the 13th Parliament: first, the arrival of the tainted member in the luxurious but tainted vehicle, engines revved, sends a damning message – to hell with decency. It was a power play and the highest form of grandstanding in the confines of the hallowed halls.
The snapping of the deputy speaker position by the incumbent sends a clear indication of who holds the power. The position, by tradition, goes to the opposition. That should have been maintained in a real-time show of forging amity across the aisle. By claiming both speaker positions, the chance was lost of walking the talk.
The narrative peddled after being sworn in as an MP, that his party won the elections when the legally declared results say otherwise, is a page out of that other playbook, following the 2020 elections. Then, that party’s incessant narrative that they too won, even after the recount, but would not reveal its SoPs. To this day, that has not happened.
To claim victory after just holding the holy book and taking the oath as an opposition MP, and relishing the thought of being elected opposition leader, seems to be the position of a confused mind. Is this what will be expected when Parliament begins in earnest?
No date fixed yet for the elections of the opposition leader seems tardy and is perceived to be a strategic ploy. The people’s business cannot be conducted in half-measures. The opposition represents a percentage of the voting population. To not elect a leader, and the casualness about it, creates the impression it will be done when it will be done.
This is not a good look, and the speaker, so early in his renewed tenure, should not be caught up in perceived shenanigans or controversies on this matter. Schedule the election of the opposition leader.
The 13th Parliament is open for business. My best wishes for successful deliberations and outcomes for the people and country.