Parliament has once again failed to pass the crucial vote on account, also known as the mini-budget, which was set to be approved this week. The delay, which follows the sitting on Monday, December 16, has been attributed to disagreements over proposed amendments to the document.
On Friday, December 20, Speaker of Parliament announced the adjournment, explaining that the House had not managed to reach a consensus. This continued postponement of the vote on account poses significant legal and administrative challenges for the country.
The failure to pass the mini-budget by the end of the year will directly impact several important public activities. These include the swearing-in of new Members of Parliament, the election of the 9th Parliament, and the inauguration of the president-elect. This is due to the fact that the 2024 fiscal year budget is set to end on December 31, 2024.
The road to passing the mini-budget has been fraught with obstacles, primarily stemming from demands made by both parliamentary caucuses. The majority caucus is pushing for tax waivers totaling $350 million, while the minority caucus, which is set to form the next government, insists on the passing of the vote on account.
The budget, which was presented to the House before the election, has faced strong opposition from the minority caucus, complicating efforts to move forward with the legislative process.
