National_Assembly_(Saint_Kitts_and_Nevis)

National Assembly (Saint Kitts and Nevis)

National Assembly (Saint Kitts and Nevis)

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The National Assembly and the King of Saint Christopher and Nevis jointly make up the legislature of Saint Kitts and Nevis.[1]

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Composition of the National Assembly

The assembly has 14 or 15 members (depending upon circumstances), 11 of whom are elected for a five-year term in single-seat constituencies and are known as Representatives. The remaining four are called Senators; three are appointed by the governor-general and the fourth is the attorney-general (i.e. an ex officio member).

The 1983 constitution mandates at least three senators, or four if the attorney-general is not one of these three appointed senators. The number can be increased by the parliament as long as it doesn't exceed two thirds of the number of representatives. Except for the attorney-general, the senators are appointed by the governor-general, acting on the advice of the prime minister in two of the appointments and the leader of the opposition for the third one.

Legislative authority

Parliament is empowered by the 1983 constitution to make laws for the Peace, order, and good government of the federation, excepting those areas in the exclusive competence of the Nevis Island Legislature.[2] Following passage by the National Assembly, Royal Assent is required to be given by the Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis.[3]

Amendments to the constitution require a two-thirds supermajority in the Assembly.[4]

Latest election

Main article: 2022 Saint Kitts and Nevis general election
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Elected MPs

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Speaker of the National Assembly

The Assembly has a speaker and deputy speaker elected by the members of the parliament during its first meeting following a general election. They do not have to be members of it; but if they are then they cannot also be in the cabinet or parliamentary secretaries.

The current speaker of the National Assembly of Saint Kitts and Nevis is Lanien Blanchette, who has been in office since October 2022. She succeeded Anthony Michael Perkins.

Previous speakers

Speakers of the Legislative Council of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla

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Speakers of the National Assembly of St Kitts and Nevis

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See also

References

  1. [1]
    s. 25, Constitution of Saint Christopher and Nevis (1983)
  2. [2]
    s. 37, Constitution of Saint Christopher and Nevis (1983)
  3. [3]
    s.42, 1983 constitution
  4. [4]
    s.38, 1983 constitution
  5. [5]
    "Historic St. Kitts - Sir Milton Allen". www.historicstkitts.kn.
  6. [6]
    The Parliamentarian: Journal of the Parliaments of the Commonwealth. Vol. 43. 18 March 1962.
  7. [7]
    "Historic St. Kitts - William Florian Glasford". www.historicstkitts.kn.
  8. [8]
    "Historic St. Kitts - Ada Mae Edwards". www.historicstkitts.kn.
  9. [9]
    Caribbean dateline. Vol. 4–7. A. Day. 1983.
  10. [10]
    "SKNVibes - Franklin Brand nominated for Speaker of National Assembly". www.sknvibes.com. Archived from the original on 6 May 2015. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  11. [11]
    "Hon. Anthony Michael Perkins Elected Speaker Of National Assembly". thestkittsnevisobserver.com. 30 June 2016.
  12. [12]
    "WINN FM - Michael Perkins For Speaker, New Senator To Be Appointed". www.winnfm.com. Archived from the original on 2016-07-01.
  13. [13]
    "Ms. Lanien Blanchette is the 2nd Female Speaker of the House Post-Independence". www.sknis.gov.kn. 25 October 2022.
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