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Senate sets 16-vote threshold to convict vice president in impeachment trial
The presiding officer ruled that 16 votes are required to convict the vice president. The decision follows a 2000 Supreme Court precedent and allows parties to seek review from the high court.
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The Senate set the conviction threshold at 16 votes for the impeachment trial of the vice president. The ruling applies the two-thirds requirement to a full 24-member Senate, even though three senators are unavailable due to legal circumstances. The decision follows a 2000 Supreme Court precedent that treated the Senate as composed of 24 members despite vacancies.
Officials stated that the same constitutional standard should apply in this trial, which involves substantial rights of the respondent.
Legal options remain open The presiding officer said any party that disagrees with the threshold may seek review from the Supreme Court. The statement added that the Senate would follow any different ruling issued by the high court. Two senators are currently in jail on plunder charges, and one senator is subject to an active International Criminal Court warrant.
The prosecution had previously discussed the possibility of adjusting the threshold given these absences.
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