The amendment was adopted on Tuesday after an extensive closed-door session that lasted several hours, during which lawmakers deliberated on measures to strengthen institutional continuity, leadership experience, and internal hierarchy within the legislative chamber.
Under the newly revised rules, eligibility for the position of Senate President as well as other principal offices has now been significantly tightened. Only senators who have completed two terms in the National Assembly will be qualified to contest. More importantly, one of those terms must be the immediate term preceding the nomination, effectively excluding individuals without recent legislative experience.
This development drastically narrows the pool of potential contenders. By implication, only lawmakers currently serving in the 10th Senate who successfully secure re-election into the 11th Senate will meet the criteria to vie for the Senate presidency and other top leadership roles.
The move is widely seen as an effort by the Senate to prioritise legislative experience and ensure continuity in leadership, while also reshaping the dynamics of succession ahead of the next assembly.