Beckles: SOB a ‘travesty of democracy’

Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has described the passage of the Special Operations Bill, 2026, in the Senate as “a travesty of parliamentary democracy”, after the legislation was approved following a 15-15 deadlock and a casting vote by Senate President Wade Mark.

The six Opposition and nine Independent senators voted against the bill, but Mark’s deciding vote broke the deadlock and allowed the legislation to pass, prompting Beckles to question the role of the Senate President and the significance of his decision.

In a statement posted on Facebook yesterday, Beckles said the passage was particularly troubling as it came on the morning of the country’s 50th anniversary of republicanism.