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A key reform that could make it significantly easier for MPs to question ministers is set to be debated at the Shura Council on Sunday.
The draft law amends provisions of Parliament’s internal regulations issued under Decree-Law No 54 of 2002 and is widely viewed as one of the most consequential updates to parliamentary oversight tools in recent years.
At the centre of the reform are two changes that directly affect how interpellations – the strongest questioning tool available to MPs – are handled.
Shura Council legislative and legal affairs committee chairwoman Dalal Al Zayed said the amendments remove procedural barriers that previously hindered interpellations from progressing.
“The previous requirement for a two-thirds majority created practical obstacles that could prevent an interpellation from advancing before its substance was even heard,” she said. “The amendment restores balance and ensures that this constitutional tool can be used effectively.”
Under the proposal, the committee report assessing the seriousness of an interpellation will be voted on without debate in the first session after it is prepared. The interpellation will proceed if it secures a simple majority of MPs – 21 votes instead of the earlier 27 required.
According to the explanatory memorandum prepared by the Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission, this creates a more logical progression for oversight tools and prevents technical voting hurdles from blocking parliamentary accountability.
The second major reform introduces a formal mechanism allowing interpellations to be discussed in a closed session when necessary. Such a session may be requested by the government, the Speaker, or at least 10 MPs. The request itself must be debated in a closed sitting. If rejected by MPs, the interpellation proceeds in public.
Ms Al Zayed said this provision is rooted in constitutional principles. She stressed that the final decision on whether a session is secret or public remains with MPs.
“This reform strengthens oversight while preserving orderly parliamentary work,” Ms Al Zayed added. “It enhances the ability of MPs to hold ministers accountable through a more practical and workable framework.”
The draft law was unanimously approved by Parliament last Tuesday.
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