A significant constitutional confrontation has emerged in the National Assembly, with UDP senators joining forces with civil society advocates to voice profound objections against the proposed National Assembly Powers, Privileges, and Immunities Bill of 2025. The legislation, currently under legislative review, has sparked intense debate regarding its potential to undermine parliamentary oversight mechanisms.
The core contention centers on Section 15(2) of the bill, which mandates that public officials must obtain explicit authorization from the Governor General before presenting evidence or documentation related to ‘state affairs’ during parliamentary proceedings. Critics argue this provision effectively grants the Executive branch unilateral control over information flow to legislative bodies, as the Governor General traditionally acts upon ministerial advice.
The opposition party contends this legislative framework would severely hamper parliamentary committee investigations, creating procedural delays that fundamentally compromise the Senate’s constitutional mandate as an accountability chamber. Beyond operational concerns, legal experts identified within the UDP statement have raised alarms regarding potential violations of fundamental constitutional principles.
The legislation’s vague terminology has drawn particular scrutiny for possibly infringing upon due process protections, disturbing the delicate separation of powers doctrine, and potentially compromising fair trial rights. Although the bill failed to secure immediate passage, it has been referred to committee for substantial revisions. The UDP has formally requested that government legislative drafters collaborate to comprehensively address the identified constitutional deficiencies before further consideration.
