By Kebba AF Touray
The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a significant step toward enhancing accountability within its structure, following the adoption of revised rules of procedure on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, during its First Ordinary Session in Abuja, Nigeria.
Hon. Billay G. Tunkara, the Fourth Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and Majority Leader of the Gambian National Assembly, presented and tabled the reforms. Hon. Tunkara also chairs the Ad Hoc Committee that spearheaded the procedural overhaul.
Outlining the changes, Hon. Tunkara said the revised rules introduce stricter attendance policies. Members, who miss one-third of an ordinary session without valid justification, now face disciplinary action, including the suspension of their sitting allowances.
The reforms also focus on inclusivity and decorum. They promote gender and language balance in committee appointments, prohibit derogatory remarks towards fellow parliamentarians and Heads of State, and formalise a dress code that reflects the dignity of the Parliament.
To ensure broader participation and legitimacy in its proceedings, the new rules also raise the quorum requirement to 50 members before a session can officially commence.
In a bid to preserve neutrality in deliberations, the updated procedures stipulate that the Speaker may only engage in debates after temporarily handing over the chair to a Deputy Speaker.
The adoption of these revised rules is expected to improve discipline, attendance, and the quality of debates within the ECOWAS Parliament, reinforcing its role in fostering democratic governance and accountability in the West African region.
