Speaker's Role in the Assembly
The Speaker
The Speaker is elected by the members of the Provincial Assembly through a secret ballot. The Speaker becomes an impartial guardian of the rights and privileges of the members of the House and takes a central position in the Assembly. Although elected as a nominee of a political party, it is assumed that the Speaker will conduct the business of the Assembly in a just and fair manner, as an impartial arbitrator, and manage the proceedings in line with the established norms of democracy. The Speaker is required to create a balance between the Treasury and the Opposition benches.
The Tradition of the Speakership
The Speaker's office is an example of the continuity of democratic traditions. The Speaker enters the assembly's chamber followed by an attendant who carries the mace, the symbol of the Speaker's office. Members rise whenever the Speaker enters the Assembly Hall as a mark of respect for the office.
Powers and Functions
- The Speaker decides and recognizes a member who shall address the parliament. There is no accepted method. A member who wants to speak must, as it is called, "catch the Speaker’s eye”, that is, get permission. The Speaker gives permission to the different parties and allows members to voice their opinions before the House. Then the Speaker acknowledges those who have special knowledge of the subject under discussion.
- The Speaker interprets and applies rules, which are called “standing orders” of the parliament. The Speaker's decision is final. It can be challenged except by tabling a motion of criticism, which is rarely done. Whenever a member raises a point of order, the Speaker has to provide a ruling. If there are several precedents in a case, the Speaker has discretion in giving a new ruling. The Speaker is impartial in giving a ruling.
- The Speaker ensures debates are conducted with dignity and decorum, puts motions and questions to the House, and announces decisions. The Speaker determines which questions are given precedence and only those are put to the ministers. The Speaker also has the power to choose which amendments are placed before the House and prevents the placement of previous questions when satisfied that the minority has had sufficient opportunity to put their views before the House.
- The Speaker casts a vote only in case of a tie, though even then the Speaker acts according to certain established principles. The practice is that the Speaker casts vote to maintain the balance.