By Doh James Sonkey
Barely some few days after his election as House Speaker, Hon Datouo Theodore has received Bill N0 2092/PJL/AN from government, to extend the term of office of Members of Parliament. The Bill was tabled at the National Assembly last March 18, 2026 as was judged admissible by the chairmen conference. The Bill was later presented to the Lower House by the House Speaker, the Right Hon Datouo Theodore and sent to a commission for deeper examination and possible adoption by the House.
According to the bill, the term of office of Members of Parliament, with effect from March 31, 2026, will be extended to December 20, 2026.
According to the government, financial constraints and the need for better electoral organization are cited as the reasons for this extension. This move aims to align legislative and municipal elections with broader electoral calendar adjustments in the country, affecting mandates that were set to expire soon.
The government cited the high cost of organising multiple elections and economic limitations, aiming to ease the financial burden on the state budget.
The extension is based on Article 15(4) of the 1996 constitution, which allows for, in cases of severe crisis or significant circumstances, the modification of the term of office. This affects both National Assembly members and municipal councilors, extending the election timeline for both.
This marks another extension in a series of delays aimed at rearranging the national political calendar.