Former senior diplomat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Barton Scotland SC, was yesterday elected to preside over the 11th Parliament of the country.
Scotland, who was the only nominee of the coalition government, took his oath in the absence of the PPP/C’s 32 members as the party, which has been strongly protesting the results of the May 11 polls, is yet to indicate whether it will take up those seats and has not nominated its members.
The new Speaker, who has a long diplomatic and legal career and has also lectured, was nominated by Minister of Cohesion Amna Ally, who is also Chief Whip of the government. The nomination was seconded by Minister of Tourism Catherine Hughes, symbolizing agreement in the