The Speaker of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu

The role and powers of the Speaker of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu are defined by the Constitution, the Rules of Procedure, and the Privileges, Immunities and Powers of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu Act 1986. The Speaker is not an elected member of the Maneaba and, therefore, does not have a casting vote. When votes on a motion are evenly split, the Speaker declares the motion lost. Despite not voting, the Speaker plays a significant role in overseeing the conduct of business in the Maneaba and is widely respected by both its members and the public.

The Speaker is elected by members of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu at its first sitting following a general election. This session is presided over by the Chief Justice and begins with members taking their oaths of office. The Chief Justice then calls for nominations for Speaker. If there are two candidates, an open ballot is held, and a candidate must receive an absolute majority of votes to be elected. If more than two candidates are nominated and no one secures a majority in the first round, successive ballots are held, eliminating half of the candidates each time, until only two remain. The winning candidate is declared Speaker by the Chief Justice, takes the oath of office before the Maneaba, and assumes the Chair.

The Speaker's term extends beyond the dissolution of the Maneaba and continues until the new Maneaba first meets. The Speaker may resign at any time, either by announcing it in the Maneaba or through written notice addressed to the Maneaba. The Speaker may be dismissed by a resolution supported by at least two-thirds of all members and may also be re-elected.

The Speaker determines the place and time for meetings of the Maneaba, including the first sitting after a general election. The Beretitenti or one-third of the members may request the Speaker to summon the Maneaba. During sittings, the Speaker's rulings on points of order are final, and the Speaker has full authority to regulate proceedings in any matter not covered by the Rules of Procedure. He also determines whether a bill or motion concerns money matters, which requires ministerial signification. The Speaker may adjourn a sitting if a quorum is lacking after a member raises an objection.

In addition to procedural powers, the Speaker performs a range of constitutional and administrative functions. Together with the Chief Justice, the Speaker advises the Maneaba on the appointment and removal of the Chairman and members of the Public Service Commission. The Speaker also receives notice from members resigning their seats and submits petitions for the removal of elected members to the Electoral Commission. He receives annual reports from the Director of Audit and tables them in the Maneaba for consideration. The Chairman of the Public Service Commission must consult with the Speaker on appointments to the Salaries Tribunal for Maneaba members.

The Speaker also has the authority to apply to the High Court for constitutional interpretation. Alongside the Chairman of the Public Service Commission (as Chair) and the Chief Justice, the Speaker serves on the Council of State, which assumes the functions of the Beretitenti and the Government when a motion of no confidence is passed in the Maneaba ni Maungatabu.