Debate On SoE Extension Begins On Monday

The House of Representatives will debate next Monday whether or not the State of Emergency will be extended for a further three months. The Government's proposal to extend the SoE is contained in the second of two Motions filed on the Order Paper in the Prime Minister's name. The first Motion relates to the statement made by President Paula-Mae Weekes on May 15th, declaring the existence of a period of Public Emergency and issuing a Proclamation to that effect. The House is to debate this statement no later than May 30th - 15 days from the date of Proclamation of the SoE. The second Motion notes that unless previously revoked, the SoE will remain in force for 15 days, that is until May 30th. The Motion says in accordance with Section 10 (1) of the Constitution, the proclamation of the SoE can be extended before it expires by a resolution supported by a Simple Majority vote of the House for a period of three months. This means the Government, with its 22 seats in the House to the Opposition's 19, can extend the SoE until August 15th. The Constitution states the SoE can be further extended from time to time, but not more than three months at any one time. These additional extensions need three-fifth majority votes in the House and Senate for approval. The SoE may be revoked at any time by a Simple Majority vote of the House of Representatives.