Opposition tables motion, calling for delay of implementation of National ID legislation

The Opposition tabled a motion in the House of Representatives on Tuesday calling for implementation of the National Identification and Registration Act to be put on hold due to the controversy which surrounded its passage in Parliament.

The motion, tabled by Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips, calls for the legislation to be referred to a Joint Select Committee of Parliament:

“WHEREAS the Leader of the Opposition at the sitting of the House of Representatives on November 21, 2017 sought to table a motion in relation to the shortly titled the National Identification and Registration Act, 2017, in keeping with Standing Order 24 (13);

AND WHEREAS ensuing disorder resulted in the sitting of the House of Representatives being suspended for twenty minutes, notwithstanding the period of suspension lasted for more than twenty minutes without an extension being granted to do so;

AND WHEREAS, at the agenda item Bills Brought from the Senate, the Prime Minister earlier indicated that the amendments to the Bill shortly entitled the National Identification and Registration Act, 2017 would be taken at a later date;

AND WHEREAS, on the resumption of the sitting, the Prime Minister reversed his previous position and sought and received the Speaker’s approval for the amendments from the Senate to be considered at that time;

AND WHEREAS the amendment from the Senate were approved en bloc without each amendment being considered and voted on;

AND WHEREAS the foregoing could be considered to be breaches of the Standing Orders;

BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House take note of the matters herein and refer them for consideration to the Standing Orders Committee of the Honourable House of Representatives, as a matter of urgency.”

The National Identification and Registration Bill was passed by both Houses of  Parliament last month.