Seat Allocation in the National Assembly: The Speaker Addresses Concerned Members

"The allocation of seats in Parliament falls under the responsibility of the Speaker of the National Assembly." Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra made this clear on Tuesday, April 7, at the opening of parliamentary proceedings.

She mentioned that she had received two letters regarding this matter from Adrien Duval, a member of the opposition, and Paul Bérenger. The latter had expressed, during a press conference on Saturday, his desire to sit as an independent.

The Speaker emphasized that the contents of these letters should not be made public prior to her consideration or decision. She also clarified that no seats would be allocated on Tuesday while awaiting clarifications concerning Paul Bérenger, Joanne Bérenger, and Chetan Baboolall.

These three members of the MMM party have indicated their intention to sit as "backbenchers" in Parliament. They have not participated in parliamentary proceedings for the fourth consecutive session.