PARLIAMENT will reopen today, two months after it was dissolved to make way for the general elections.

The momentous occasion will see the swearing-in of members of the Senate and the Lower House with the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) taking the government chairs for the first time in 18 years.

However, the JLP which won the September 3 general elections by a six-seat majority will only see 31 of its 33 members of parliament being sworn in as a result of legal scuffles over the South East St Mary and East Hanover seats. The People’s National Party will, however, swear in all 27 of its MPs.

Clerk to the Houses of Parliament Heather Cooke yesterday told the Observer that the proclamation summoning parliament was issued to Gordon House by Governor General Kenneth Hall on Tuesday.

She said the ceremony, which is expected to be just under two hours, will see statements being made by Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller.

In attendance will be spouses of parliamentarians, members of diplomatic missions and international organisations, mayors, judges and custodes among other dignitaries.

Said Cooke: “It’s a normal standard swearing-in ceremony.

Half an hour for the Senate, and a little longer for the House because of the statements being made and the various announcements.”

It is still doubtful when the Houses will begin their regular sittings.

Yesterday, Cooke said while this information has not been communicated to her an indication will be made today when the ceremonial opening concludes.

“When they adjourn tomorrow (today) they will either adjourn for a date to be fixed or a date will be given,” Cooke said.

While the legislative year officially begins in April, today’s opening technically marks the beginning of a new session of Parliament following its dissolution in July.