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The process of amending the constitution as recommended by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) has now commenced after eight bills were referred to the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs (JLAC) and the Senate Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights.

The two committees have 45 days to consider the said bills and table a report in the house for either adoption or rejection.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula (pictured) yesterday explained that the decision to refer the bills to both houses came after a meeting held on February27 and 29 where together with his counterpart in the senate speaker Amason Kingi deliberated on modalities for implementing the recommendations contained in the NADCO report.

Said Wetangula: “The two Committees are therefore directed to ensure strict adherence to the due process in considering the proposed amendments during the joint sittings. Finally, this matter being one of immense importance and public interest, the Committees are directed to undertake the assignment expeditiously and to submit a report within forty-five (45) days from today (Tuesday).”

Among the bills that will be introduced in the National Assembly and be considered by the JLAC include The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, The Leader of Opposition Bill, 2024, and The National Government Coordination (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

The Senate on its part will introduce and consider The Elections Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2024, The Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2024, The Statutory Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and The Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2024.