Explain the role of a pro-tem speaker in maintaining the sanctity and order of parliamentary proceedings during the transitional period before the election of a formal Speaker.

The pro-tem speaker plays a pivotal but interim role in maintaining the sanctity and order of parliamentary proceedings during the transitional period preceding the election of a formal Speaker. The Latin term “pro tempore,” meaning “for the time being,” aptly describes the temporary yet crucial function of a pro-tem speaker who is typically appointed to facilitate the smooth transition of the newly elected assembly until a permanent Speaker is chosen.

• Oath Administration:Primarily, the pro-tem speaker’s duty is to administer the oath to the new members of the legislature, ensuring that they are legally and formally inducted into the House. This process is foundational for any subsequent legislative activity.
• Conducting Elections:Another key role is to oversee the election of the official Speaker of the House. This requires impartiality and careful management to uphold democratic processes within the legislature.
• Temporary Stewardship:During their tenure, the pro-tem speaker has the same powers, privileges, and immunities as the permanent Speaker, but typically refrains from exercising certain deeper powers like ruling on defection matters. This restraint maintains the focus on the primary task of transitioning the house before a full leadership hierarchy is established.

Although the pro-tem speaker’s authority is somewhat constrained compared to the duly elected Speaker, their role is indispensable for upholding parliamentary rule and decorum during a critical phase of transition. They ensure that the legislative body remains operational and prepared for formal proceedings under new leadership, thereby safeguarding the continuity and legitimacy of parliamentary democracy.