The Senate has amended its standing orders, limiting eligibility for the office of Senate President and other principal positions to members of the 10th National Assembly who secure re-election into the 11th Senate.

The decision was reached on Tuesday during a closed-door session, where lawmakers approved new guidelines designed to reinforce parliamentary ranking and experience in leadership selection.

Under the revised provisions, only senators who have served at least two terms will be eligible to contest for principal offices. In addition, at least one of those terms must be the immediate preceding term, further narrowing the pool of qualified aspirants.

The amended Order 4 provides that nominations for presiding officers shall strictly follow established ranking within the Senate. The hierarchy includes former Presidents of the Senate, former Deputy Presidents of the Senate, former principal officers, senators with at least one full term, former members of the House of Representatives, and, where none of the above apply, first-time senators.

By implication, only serving senators of the 10th Assembly who return in the 11th Senate will qualify to contest for the Senate presidency and other principal leadership positions.

The Senate said the amendment is aimed at strengthening institutional tradition, stability, and adherence to legislative ranking in leadership selection.