As Parliament embarks on its 2026 session, a substantial legislative agenda promises significant reforms alongside critical constitutional and judicial tests. The year is poised to be a landmark one, potentially reshaping fundamental aspects of governance, law, and citizen rights.
A key focus will be on proposed constitutional amendments. One significant proposal involves a fixed tenure for the Prime Minister, potentially capped at two terms or ten years. This reform aims to ensure institutional stability and good governance. Another crucial amendment seeks to separate the powers of the Attorney General (AG) and the Public Prosecutor (PP). This separation is intended to address concerns about the concentration of power and potential conflicts of interest. In Bangladesh, a constitutional referendum is scheduled for February 12, 2026, focusing on provisions of the July Charter, including increased representation of women, election of Deputy Speaker and parliamentary committee chairs from the opposition, term limits for the Prime Minister, enhanced powers of the President, expansion of fundamental rights, judicial independence and strengthening of local government.
The legislative agenda includes several bills aimed at reshaping key sectors. Reforms to capital markets, insolvency resolution, and higher education are expected to be prioritized. These reforms aim to modernize and strengthen these sectors, promoting economic growth and opportunity. In the UAE, a new Civil Transactions Law restructures and modernizes the nation's Civil Transactions Law, aiming for a simpler, clearer, and more coherent legal framework. One of the most talked-about changes is the reduction of the age of legal majority from 21 lunar years to 18 Gregorian years, bringing UAE civil law in line with global standards.
The judiciary is also set for significant changes. Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo has affirmed the judiciary's commitment to pushing for reforms and innovations throughout 2026. These reforms are part of the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovation 2022-2027 (SPJI) and aim to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and responsiveness within the courts. The focus is on reducing delays, leveraging technology, and strengthening institutions to bring justice closer to all citizens. Cook County is also working to improve transparency, strengthen court operations and boost overall accountability.
However, the path to reform is not without its challenges. Contentious debates are expected, particularly surrounding the constitutional amendments. Proposed changes to executive accountability are likely to spark significant discussion and disagreement. The potential impeachment of a high court judge further adds to the constitutional gravity of the year. In Alberta, referendums on issues such as separation could bring strongly held emotions to the surface and threaten divisions within the United Conservative Party.
Political polarization remains a significant factor. Communication between the government and opposition parties is strained, potentially hindering consensus-building and legislative progress. Upcoming assembly elections in various regions will further test the political landscape. The political landscape heading into the 2026 midterms is volatile. Democrats have more energy than Republicans expected, and the GOP's grip on the House may be far less secure than it appears.
Despite these challenges, there is optimism that meaningful reforms can be achieved. Some observers believe that certain reforms, such as the separation of the AG's and Public Prosecutor's powers, are not particularly contentious and may receive broad support. The enactment of the Parliamentary Services Act last year, which restored Parliament's independence from executive control, provides a foundation for further strengthening parliamentary functions.
In conclusion, Parliament's 2026 session promises to be a pivotal period of reform and transformation. The proposed constitutional amendments, legislative agenda, and judicial reforms have the potential to reshape the nation's governance, legal framework, and justice system. While challenges remain, the commitment to progress and modernization offers hope for a more efficient, accountable, and equitable future.
