As part of its sessions in the third legislative year, deputies at the National Assembly on Wednesday adopted and considered the report on the 31th conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa region.
Like the Speakers Conference of the global CPA body, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is a training and consultative forum for Speakers and presiding officers, especially new and emerging ones.
It among others accords opportunities for Speakers from all over Commonwealth Africa Region to interface and exchange views, expertise and experiences on regional and international best practices of managing parliaments.
In moving the motion for adoption on behalf of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Abdoulie Bojang, the National Assembly Member for Foni Brefet, Hon. Bintanding Jarju, told deputies that the conference was held in Lilongwe, Malawi, from 05th-14th August 2011.
According to her, The Gambia and Kenya presented their reports on the theme: “The challenges of meeting the information needs of members of parliaments in Africa”, while Zambia and Namibia presented on the themes: “The dilemma of a Speaker retaining a constituency seat on being elected” and “The case for complementary roles of government and the opposition in Africa as a sustainable way of fostering national unity and the development” respectively.
Seconding the motion, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, majority leader and member for Serrekunda East constituency, stated that the report covers all sectors of development.
According to him, parliamentarians are on top of issues and any information to parliaments should be a priority. “As parliamentarians, we must disseminate development agendas to the government” he said.
Hon. Lamin Jadama, member for Niamina West constituency, described the report as timely and non-controversial, adding that the event can bring about more South-South cooperation.
Hon. Abdoulie Bojang, Speaker of the National Assembly, said for ease of reference, the report was divided into thematic areas of topical importance and relevance to running and the management of parliaments.
Other members of the National Assembly who contributed to the discussions were Babanding K.K. Daffeh of Kiang Central and Fatou Mbye, deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.
