Adrien Duval Reverses Ex-Speaker’s Decisions: 5 Cases Impacted

On July 23, 2024, Adrien Duval officially took office as the new Speaker of the National Assembly of Mauritius, following a chaotic election last Thursday, July 18. Of the five requests presented to the Speaker by the opposition, three were accepted.

However, the election process was marred by attempts to question the legitimacy of the election and disrupt its proceedings.

Speaking to the press, Adrien Duval condemned the behavior of certain members who had caused irreparable harm to the nation’s image in the eyes of the world.

He clarified that the election was conducted in accordance with Articles 32(4) and 32(6) of the Constitution, as well as Articles 7(1) and (2) of the internal rules.

Adrien Duval pointed out that this is not the first time the position has become vacant before the dissolution of the National Assembly.

He cited examples from past elections, including those held in 1990, 1996, and 2012.

Regarding allegations that he had received a summons to attend his own election, Adrien Duval stated that no such summons was issued.

“It’s not within the Assembly’s walls or in the press that such matters should be contested,” he said. “It’s before the Supreme Court.”

Controversy surrounding three suspended opposition members

Adrien Duval also commented on the controversy surrounding a summons allegedly received by opposition members Joanna Bérenger, Rajesh Bhagwan, and Ehsan Juman to attend his election. He stated that after verification, no such summons was issued.

The Speaker also criticized the method used by the opposition leader to formulate demands for lifting suspensions for the three members.

“One can only regret that the opposition leader seeks to lift suspensions through the press rather than following established procedures,” he noted.

Decisions on local authorities and parliamentary access

Adrien Duval decided to annul a decision taken by his predecessor Sooroojdev Phokeer, which banned questions related to local authorities.

He pointed out that Phokeer had never explicitly stated that all questions on local authorities would be banned.

The Speaker also decided to allow suspended members to access Assembly facilities on non-sitting days.

This decision differed from his predecessor’s interpretation of Sections 49(5) and (6) of the Standing Orders.

Tirage au sort des questions parlementaires

Adrien Duval announced his intention to closely monitor the conduct of parliamentary question sessions, following allegations by opposition members like Patrick Assirvaden that there were manipulations in this process.

Patrick Assirvaden, whip of the opposition, praised Adrien Duval’s decision to allow questions on local authorities and his decision to grant access to Assembly facilities for suspended members. “This is a blow to Phokeer and Jugnauth,” he said.

Ehsan Juman maintained that he had indeed received a summons for his election and provided evidence of this claim.

However, Adrien Duval rejected this claim and referred Juman’s case to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Opposition maintains suspense over attendance

The opposition parliamentary party is still undecided about attending future sittings.

When asked about their decision, Patrick Assirvaden and Paul Bérenger indicated that a decision would be made in due course.

Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Zahid Nazurally made a brief appearance at Parliament on Tuesday, July 23, arriving late with minutes of delay and departing without staying for long.

Source: Defi Media