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Office of the Chairperson

The Chairperson​

The Chairperson of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly is the presiding officer of the House. Unlike other Members, the Chairperson is not necessarily elected through the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) or Proportional Representation (PR) system. Since its establishment, the Assembly has been led by four Chairpersons, each of whom was an unelected Member.


Once chosen to preside over the Assembly, the Chairperson’s foremost duty is to uphold the dignity and integrity of the House. Although political factors may influence the appointment, the Chairperson must rise above party politics. Impartiality, fairness, and respect for all Members are essential qualities of the role.

The Chairperson’s responsibilities include:
    • • ​​​​​​Ensuring that debates and decisions are conducted in accordance with the Standing Orders and Rules of the Assembly;
  • • Interpreting a​nd enforcing those rules fairly, often guided by Erskine May’s Parliamentary Practice, a key reference in Westminster-style parliaments;
  • • Safeguarding the order, decorum, and smooth conduct of proceedings so that every Member’s voice can be heard in a structured way.
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The role of Chairperson reflects the Assembly’s parliamentary traditions, rooted in the United Kingdom’s Westminster system and inspired by institutions such as the Tobago House of Assembly. By combining impartial leadership with respect for parliamentary rules, the Chairperson ensures that the Assembly remains a trusted space for open debate and democratic decision-making in Rodrigues.​​​

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