ROTHESAY — There was confusion and anger in the [virtual] House of Assembly sitting last night as the Micronational Recognition Bill (H-2) was defeated in dramatic fashion.
After an unprecedented 2 days of debate, the bill was finally put to vote last night at 8 pm local time (GMT–03:00). The result of the vote was 3 yeas and 3 nays.
Under such circumstances, the Speaker—who ordinarily does not vote—is required to break the tie. Speaker Autumn Hunter, citing precedent of speakers in the Westminster system of ‘not creating a majority where there isn’t one’, cast her vote against the bill, thus defeating it.
While Premier Ethan McAllister accepted the result with humility, there was outrage from fellow Liberal Conservative Party members, who cried out that Speaker Hunter has been in talks to join the opposition Democratic Party. Members on the government benches had to be repeatedly called to order for shouting ‘coup’.
Speaker Hunter dismissed the cries and again cited what she said was ‘long established parliamentary practice’ and chastised members for ‘despicable and frankly petty accusations’.
Neither Premier McAllister nor Leader of the Opposition Stephen Cameron could be reached for immediate comment, but it will put in doubt McAllister’s ability to govern. His Lib-Cons topped the polls in August’s general election but fell short of a majority and has governed since as a minority government.
The Speaker was elected as an independent MP and was considered a safe bet by the House to be impartial and neutral. The accusation she was considering joining the opposition Democratic Party may challenge that concept.
All 3 Lib-Con MPs backed the bill, while both Democratic MPs voted against. Independent MP, Clara Hennigan, joined the Dems to deadlock the bill. Speaker Hunter’s vote against therefore defeated it.
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