The House of Representatives was thrown into turmoil on Tuesday after members clashed over a move to rescind its earlier approval of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The controversy followed a disputed voice vote conducted by Abbas Tajudeen.
The decision stemmed from a motion introduced by Hon. Francis E. Waive under Order Nine, Rule 1 (6) of the House Standing Orders during an emergency plenary session.
Presenting the motion, Waive reminded lawmakers that the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 had been passed on December 23, 2025. He explained that a Technical Committee—made up of leaders from both chambers of the National Assembly, members of the Conference Committee, the Clerks of the Senate and House, and legal drafting experts from the Directorate of Legal Services—later met to harmonise the legislation and correct observed flaws.
According to him, the panel uncovered inconsistencies and unintended consequences in certain provisions of the bill. He stressed the importance of aligning electoral timelines and statutory guidelines to enhance inclusivity, fairness, efficiency, and public trust in the electoral system.
Waive argued that correcting the identified issues through further legislative action was necessary to preserve the integrity of the electoral framework. He subsequently urged the House to rescind its earlier decision and refer the bill to the Committee of the Whole for reconsideration.
When the Speaker called for a voice vote, the “nays” appeared louder than the “ayes.” However, Tajudeen ruled in favour of the “ayes,” declaring the motion adopted.
The ruling triggered immediate protests, with several lawmakers accusing the presiding officer of disregarding the majority response. The chamber soon descended into disorder, as members shouted and exchanged heated words across the floor.
Despite the uproar, the Speaker maintained his position. The House later proceeded into a closed-door session in an effort to restore calm and deliberate further on the matter.
