Elected Members of Parliament are currently awaiting the announcement of final results and the first session of the National People's Assembly (المجلس الشعبي الوطني). This delay comes as the Constitutional Court continues its review of various appeals. Political circles are reportedly discussing several potential successors to Ibrahim Boughali for the presidency of the lower house of parliament. Behind the scenes, a hidden struggle is reportedly underway, led by parties holding a parliamentary majority, to determine who will preside over the assembly.
Election Procedures and Timelines
The Constitutional Court continues to study appeals related to the recent election results. The first session of the National People's Assembly must be held 15 days after the Constitutional Court announces the final results of the legislative elections. Final results are expected within a period not exceeding ten days from the provisional results being submitted by the Independent National Election Authority. The first session is opened under the presidency of a temporary bureau composed of the oldest Members of Parliament (MPs), assisted by the two youngest, until a president is elected. This opening session is dedicated to installing the new council through nominal calls to elected MPs. The temporary bureau supervises the election process, opening nominations for the presidency. Members of the temporary bureau can also run for president, in which case they are replaced by the next oldest MP.
The Race for Speaker
The outcome of the speaker position is contingent upon agreements derived from the balance of power within the Assembly. Key parties competing for representation in this process include the National Liberation Front (جبهة التحرير الوطني), the National Democratic Rally (التجمع الوطني الديمقراطي), the Future Front (جبهة المستقبل), the Society of Peace Movement (حركتا مجتمع السلم والبناء الوطني), the National Construction Movement, Free MPs, the Socialist Forces Front (جبهة القوى الاشتراكية), and the People's Voice Party (حزب صوت الشعب).
After the installation of the new council, the election of the president commences, adhering to Article 134 of the Constitution and Article 11 of Organic Law No. 16-12. Any Member of Parliament can nominate themselves personally or through their political party for the position. If there are multiple candidates, voting is conducted by secret ballot. The candidate who secures an absolute majority of votes in the first round is declared the winner. Should no candidate obtain an absolute majority in the initial round, a second round is held, limited to the two candidates who received the most votes. In the event of a tie in the second round, the older candidate wins the election. If only a single candidate is nominated, the election proceeds by public ballot, and that candidate wins with a majority of votes.
Vacancy and Succession Rules
Internal regulations of the National People's Assembly stipulate that a new president must be elected within 15 days once a vacancy is declared. This declaration can occur due to various circumstances, including resignation, incapacity, conflict of interest, a legal impediment, or the death of the incumbent.
When such a vacancy arises, the office of the president convenes to prepare the necessary file. This meeting is chaired by the oldest vice-president and involves consultations with the leaders of the parliamentary groups to ensure a smooth transition process.