Constitution Amendment Bill to be debated

Parliament is expected to debate the Constitution Amendment Bill 2022 when it resumes today.

The Bill was first read on February 4 and published in the Official  Gazette.

Among the changes being sought is reducing the age of majority, that is eligibility to serve from 21-years-old to 18-years-old years for Senators and Members of the Lower House of Parliament.

The second matter for amendment is that of the appointment of  Opposition Senators.

With no Opposition Leader in the Lower House presently, the President can make the two appointments.

The Head of State can appoint seven Independent and the two occupied by the Opposition.

The proposed Amendment allows for the party with the second largest number of votes after the governing party to be consulted.

If that party should decline, the Amendment allows for consultation with other parties.

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