Reps Plenary Turns Rowdy as Speaker Overrules Lawmakers on Electoral Act Motion

Proceedings in the House of Representatives descended into chaos on Tuesday after lawmakers clashed over a motion seeking to rescind the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

The tension began when Francis Waive, chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, moved a motion to reverse the chamber’s earlier decision on the bill, which had been passed on December 23, 2025.

Presiding over the session, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put the motion to a voice vote. Although the “nays” appeared louder than the “ayes” in the chamber, Abbas ruled in favour of the “ayes,” declaring the motion carried.

His decision immediately sparked protests from several lawmakers, who shouted in objection and challenged the ruling. The members voiced their displeasure over what they described as a disregard for the outcome of the voice vote.

In a bid to restore order, the speaker called for the House to move into an executive session. However, that proposal was also met with resistance from members and initially rejected.

Despite the opposition, Abbas proceeded to move the House into an executive session, drawing further protests from lawmakers as proceedings continued behind closed doors.

Source: The Cable