Revamping Governance: A Bold Proposal for a Bicameral Legislature

In a significant move aimed at revitalizing the legislative landscape, the Constitution Reform Commission has unveiled an ambitious proposal to establish a bicameral legislature. This new system would feature an upper house, the Senate, and a lower house, the National Assembly, intended to enhance the dynamism and effectiveness of parliamentary operations.

Under this proposed framework, both chambers would operate on a four-year term, and the role of prime minister would be limited to a maximum of two consecutive terms. Notably, the prime minister would not simultaneously hold the title of head of any political party or lead the parliament, ensuring a clear separation of powers.

Prof. Ali Riaz, head of the Constitution Reform Commission, presented these recommendations to Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday. Among the notable changes proposed is the lowering of the minimum age for candidates in parliamentary elections to 21, a shift from the current requirement of 25.

This reform aims to usher in a new era of governance, challenging the status quo and fostering a more inclusive political environment.