Coronavirus: constitution needs changing for MPs to vote remotely

The attorney-general has said that parliament needs to amend the constitution to enable the MPs to vote remotely amid the coronavirus pandemic, it emerged on Monday. Costas Clerides issued an opinion after House president Demetris Syllouris suggested that the legislature should meet via teleconferencing to diminish the risk of spreading...

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The attorney-general has said that parliament needs to amend the constitution to enable the MPs to vote remotely amid the coronavirus pandemic, it emerged on Monday.

Costas Clerides issued an opinion after House president Demetris Syllouris suggested that the legislature should meet via teleconferencing to diminish the risk of spreading the coronavirus.

In a letter to Syllouris, the AG said it would take an amendment of the constitution and parliament’s regulation for teleconferencing to become legitimate practice at times of emergency.

Clerides recommended adding a paragraph to Article 75 of the constitution on parliamentary sessions, providing for the possibility of its members voting remotely in exceptional cases.

The constitution requires the physical presence of its members to pass bills. Amending the constitution also requires a two-thirds majority.

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