By Kebba AF Touray
The Community Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Parliament) took a giant and bold step to boost accountability within its structures last Wednesday, 21 May 2025.
The bold move came following a presentation and tabling of a report on the procedure of the parliament by the Fourth Deputy Speaker, who also doubles as the Majority Leader of the Gambian Parliament, Hon. Billay G. Tunkara.
The revised rules of procedure were adopted by the regional lawmakers during the parliament’s ongoing first ordinary session in Abuja, Nigeria.
Hon. Tunkara, who also doubles as the Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee behind the reforms, outlined key amendments in the revised rules of procedures.
The updated document, among some of the changes, is that “members who miss one-third of an ordinary session without justification would now risk disciplinary action, including suspension of sitting allowances. The new rules also promote gender and language balance in the committee appointments, prohibit derogatory remarks towards fellow members and Heads of State, and formalise a dress code reflecting the parliament’s dignity.
Additionally, the rules of procedure document stipulate that a quorum of 50 plus members is now required to commence a session.
In a move to preserve impartiality, the revised rules stipulate that the Speaker may only take part in debates after temporarily vacating the chairpersonship to a Deputy Speaker.
The adoption of the revised rules is expected to enhance attendance, discipline and the overall quality of debate in the ECOWAS Parliament.
