11/02/2026
The corridors of August House are charged with tension as the 12th Parliament prepares to elect a new Speaker. This is not just a ceremonial vote the decision will shape Parliament’s tone, agenda, and power dynamics for the next term.
DP leader and MP-Elect for Laroo-Pece, Norbert Mao, is reportedly eyeing the Speaker’s seat, setting up a high-stakes contest with Anita Among.
The NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) has endorsed Anita Among for Speaker and Thomas Tayebwa for Deputy Speaker a clear signal of the ruling party’s intent to retain control and project continuity.
However, the process has not been without controversy. Some senior NRM members have publicly voiced concerns over how the NRM caucus endorsed the incumbent Speaker and Deputy Speaker without an open vote, raising questions about internal democracy and consensus within the ruling party.
The politics are layered. Anita, once a staunch FDC figure, now faces Mao, whose Democratic Party maintains a cooperation agreement with NRM. The contest raises hard questions about alliances, loyalty, the independence of Parliament, and how MPs will ultimately cast their votes.
The outcome will be a real test of party discipline, political strategy, and Parliament’s independence.
If you were an MP in the 12th Parliament, who would you vote for and why?