The Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), Joseph Ngere Paciko, on Friday announced new vetting criteria for the appointment of parliamentary committee chairpersons and deputies, saying delays in naming nominees were intended to ensure a more transparent and merit-based selection process.
Ngere, who was appointed Speaker last month, replacing Jemma Nunu Kumba, is tasked with overseeing the appointment of chairpersons and deputy chairpersons of specialised parliamentary committees, replacing officials whose terms have expired.
Specialised committees handle detailed legislative scrutiny, government oversight and budget review, according to parliamentary procedure.
The committees examine bills before they reach the full House, monitor the performance of ministries and public institutions, and review national spending.
Speaking during an extraordinary session, Ngere told lawmakers that the selection process had already been conducted by party whips and government leadership, and that he had received the list of nominees.
“Slowly but surely, and so that there are no complaints,” he said, adding that the vetting process falls under the authority of the Speaker under parliamentary rules of procedure.
Citing Regulation 6.7 of the assembly’s rules, Ngere said the Speaker retains the prerogative to vet all nominees before approval.
He outlined five conditions political parties must meet when forwarding candidates for committee leadership positions.
The first criterion is ideological loyalty and discipline, requiring candidates to demonstrate adherence to party constitutions, codes of conduct and political ideology.
“Candidates must demonstrate adherence to the party constitution, code of conduct and ideology,” Ngere said, adding: “I hope you have constitutions like the SPLM, because I come from there.”
The second requirement concerns rotation policy and term limits. He directed party whips to enforce rotation of committee leadership, particularly for members who have served more than two terms.
“I want to see that you guide to enforce the policy to replace or rotate chairpersons and deputies who have served more than two terms to provide opportunities for other members,” he said.
Ngere also stressed competence and performance, saying nominees would be assessed on their ability to manage parliamentary business, including technical knowledge, communication skills and committee leadership.
“Selection of chairperson and deputies will weigh on the ability to handle parliamentary business,” he said.
He added that lawmakers’ performance records would also be considered.
“Candidates or aspirants will be vetted on being hardworking and active in parliament,” he said, adding: “I have been here for 16 years, I know who are active, who are not active.”
Ngere further emphasized the need for regional and gender balance in committee leadership, including the 35% affirmative action quota for women, as well as representation from all states, administrative areas and minority groups.
“The allocation will ensure the inclusion of women, 35% affirmative action, and representation across the states, across the administrative areas, and the minority groups, so that nobody is left behind,” he said.
He warned aspiring candidates against lobbying him directly.
“The rest, actually, if you are an aspirant, you should have been taking your night in. Don’t come to me with compliments,” he said.
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