The Speaker pro tem is a temporary presiding officer appointed for a short period until a permanent Speaker is chosen. In India, this person usually presides over the first sitting of the newly elected House, administers oaths to members, and helps conduct the election of the regular Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

Quick meaning

“Pro tem” comes from Latin and means “for the time being.” So a Speaker pro tem is simply a temporary Speaker who handles essential House business until the full Speaker takes office.

Main duties

  • Preside over the first sitting of the House.
  • Administer the oath of office to newly elected members.
  • Help conduct the vote to elect the permanent Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
  • In some cases, conduct a floor test.

In plain English

Think of the Speaker pro tem as the acting chairperson who keeps the legislature running smoothly at the start of a new term. Once the permanent Speaker is elected, the pro tem role ends.

Short answer

If you want the simplest definition: a Speaker pro tem is a temporary Speaker chosen to manage the House until the regular Speaker is elected.