The Parliamentarian 2008: Issue Three - 54th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

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2008/Issue Three LXXXIX PRICE £11

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54th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference: Expanding the Role of Parliament in Global Society: Environment, Development and Security Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Conference: The Role of Parliamentarians in the Elimination of Violence against Women with a particular reference to Domestic Violence 28th Small Branches Conference: Meeting the Challenges to the Holding of Democratic Elections

Journal of the Parliaments of the Commonwealth

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Role of Parliament in the global society

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Inside Issues

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View from the Chair

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The Secretary-General’s View and Commonwealth Gallery

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Main Articles 54th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference Commonwealth MPs met in Malaysia to discuss issues of budgeting security and the environment JOURNAL OF THE PARLIAMENTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH VOL. LXXXIV 2008/Issue One ISSN 0031-2282 Issued by the Secretariat of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Suite 700, Westminster House, 7 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA, United Kingdom Tel.: (+44-20) 7799-1460 Fax: (+44-20) 7222-6073 E-mail: hq.sec@cpahq.org Website: www.cpahq.org Publisher: DR WILLIAM F. SHIJA Secretary-General Editor: ANDREW IMLACH Director of Communications and Research Assistant Editor: Lisa Leano Front cover: The ceiling in the Malaysian House of Representatives Chamber

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Commonwealth Matters: Speeches by the CPA Secretary-General and the Commonwealth Secretary-General

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Democracy and global peace – an international order

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Sustainable development in the context of rapid urbanization and rural decline

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Credible elections for a more representative Parliament, free and fair participation, greater diversity and access to a free media

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Reforming the budget process: Parliamentary budget offices and effective parliamentary oversight

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Collaboration among large and small states through international organizations to respond to climate change

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Parliament and civil society engagement for better policy-making

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The role of Parliament in conflict prevention and resolution

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Mechanisms to ensure adequate recognition of women’s issues in budgetary processes

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The global food crisis

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The communications challenge for Parliament: Meeting the information needs of Members and the public

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Opening Ceremony

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Domestic violence

Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Conference

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The role of Parliamentarians in the elimination of violence against women with a particular reference to domestic violence

28th Small Branches Conference Female MPs discuss the role of Parliamentarians in eliminating violence, particularly with regard to domestic violence.

Opinions and comments expressed in articles and reviews published in The Parliamentarian are those of the individual contributors and should not be attributed to the CPA Secretariat or the Association.

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Protecting the environment: water and waste management in sustainable development

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Dealing with conflicts of interest and corruption in small countries

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Meeting the challenges to the holding of democratic elections

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Promoting the interests of small states in international institutions

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Parliamentary News Australia, British Columbia, India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom

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CPA Organization

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hen he opened the 33rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Kuala Lumpur in 1987, Rt Hon. Dato’ Seri Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad, MP, who went on to become Malaysia’s longest serving Prime Minister, spoke of the food crisis his country faced every day. Twenty-one years later, Malaysia – this time with the rest of the world – was facing an added and very different food crisis as the 54th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference met in Kuala Lumpur in August.

In 1987, Dr Mahathir explained the difficulties that citizens of his multi-cultural country faced when they tried to sit together over a meal that respected their varied cultural and religious traditions: “The Malays are Muslim and eat beef but abhor pork.The Chinese are Taoist or Buddhists and eat pork.The Indians are Hindus and do not take both pork and beef.

Theoretically, we cannot even sit down together to eat.”The 2008 food issue facing delegates in Kuala Lumpur was very different: soaring global food prices, shortages and the economic and moral dilemmas surrounding the diversion of food production to fuel production.This issue was discussed during the conference as Members from approximately 170 Parliaments and Legislatures debated pressing world issues under the theme “Expanding the Role of Parliament in Global Society: Addressing the Issues of Environment, Development and Security”.The discussions were chaired by Hon. Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Haji Mulia, MP, Speaker of Malaysia’s Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) and President of the CPA. It was Tan Sri Pandikar, who had been a Member of the Sabah Legislative Assembly at the time, who this year recalled Dr Mahathir’s evocative 1987 description of his country’s ethnic dilemma.

The Summary Report of the 2008 conference discussions is published in this issue, along with the summaries of the 28th Small Branches Conference (formerly called the Small Countries Conference) and the conference session of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians.

We also publish here the conference addresses by Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Secretary-General Dr William F. Shija and by Commonwealth Secretary-General Mr Kamalesh Sharma, who took up that post in April and was

therefore making his first state-of-the-Commonwealth address to delegates. Also in this issue are the speeches from the plenary conference Opening Ceremony, including the addresses of Hon. Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak, MP, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, on behalf of the 2008 Vice-Patron of the CPA, Malaysian Prime Minister Hon. Dato’ Seri Abdullah bin Ahmad Bidawi, MP, and the vote of thanks offered by the VicePresident of the Association, Hon. Samuel J. Sitta, MP, Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania.

The plenary conference was ably chaired by Tan Sri Pandikar, who became Speaker of Malaysia’s lower House following the country’s election earlier this year. He chaired the conference in his capacity as the President of the CPA, the third CPA position he had occupied within less than a year. He had started 2008 as a South-East Asian Regional Representative and Vice-Chairperson of the Executive Committee, posts he held representing the Sabah Legislative Assembly where he had been a Member since 1981. He then stepped down from those posts when he did not contest his Assembly seat in a state election held concurrently with Malaysia’s national vote. On moving to the Dewan Rakyat, he returned to the CPA Executive Committee to steer the conference deliberations.

As well as that plenary conference and the meetings for Small Branches and Women Parliamentarians, Clerks and Secretaries of Parliaments met under the auspices of the Society of Clerks-at-the-Table, and there were meetings of the General Assembly, CPA Executive Committee and the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Steering Committee.

At the General Assembly, a new Chairperson of the Executive Committee was elected: Hon. Dato’ Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, MP, Malaysia’s Minister of Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage, was elected in a contest against Lord Paul of Marylebone, a Member of the United Kingdom House of Lords. Dato’ Shafie therefore contributes his first “View from the Chair” to this issue, taking over from his predecessor, Hon. Hashim Abdul Halim, MLA, Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, whose term ended. Shri Halim was returned to the CPA Executive Committee by the General Assembly, this time in the role as the Treasurer of the Association, the first Treasurer to come from outside the British Isles.

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The Commonwealth and the evolving food crisis

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The CPA is indebted to the parliamentary officials who undertook the difficult task of writing the summary reports of the workshop sessions at the plenary conference and of the four sessions of the Small Branches Conference.Their reports of the sessions are published in full here.They also enabled the Secretariat to produce the first Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference Summary Statement which was released after the conference and circulated to all Branches.This initiative gave participants a short synopsis of the main points of agreement and disagreement.The Association recognizes the contributions to these conference reports which were made by: Mr Momodou Sise of The Gambia, Mrs Jan Davis of South Australia, Mr Simon Ross of Guernsey, Sri M. Sivaprakasam of Puducherry, Mr Kirata Komwenga of Kiribati, Mr Emmanuel Mpanda of Tanzania, Mr Peter Gregg of Northern Ireland, Mrs Heather Cooke of Jamaica, Mr Michael de la Haye of Jersey, Mr Pedro Eastmond of Barbados, Ms Alva McCall of the British Virgin Islands and Mr Malachy Cornwell-Kelly of the Isle of Man. The CPA and conference delegates acknowledged the work of the administrative support staff of the Parliament of Malaysia, whose tireless efforts to ensure everything ran smoothly.The Clerk of the Dewan Rakyat, Madam Roosme binti Hamzah, and the Conference Co-ordinator, Ms Lavinia Vyveganatham, and their colleagues were instrumental in enabling Commonwealth Members and

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parliamentary officials to conduct their business.

The formal sessions of the various meetings were broken by a fascinating visit to the state of Malacca and to Malacca town where participants were able to see recreations of the different dwellings traditional to each part of Malaysia, watch an example of a traditional Malay wedding, view the development of the World Heritage Site around the town’s old canal and port area and, returning to the issue of food, sample traditional dishes from different communities throughout this diverse country.The Chief Minister of Melaka, Rt Hon Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Ali bin Mohd Rustam MLA, hosted the visit to his state and was able to demonstrate, among other things, that the gastronomic diversity about which Dr Mahathir had spoken two decades before has equipped Malaysians to thrive on a variety of local dishes.This has helped to reduce the impact of the huge price increases for food which have forced many governments throughout the world to modify other programmes in order to sustain the diets of their people, and their appetite for parliamentary democratic governance.

The Editor

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View from the Chair

Achieving the full potential of parliamentary democratic governance

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s a preface to my first “View from the literate and have access to the internet. I believe Chair”, I must record that as I write some that through this medium we can not only raise Members of the CPA are facing the disaseducational standards and economic performance ters of Hurricane Gustaf in the Caribbean and the but also empower more people. As I am sure you terrible and devastating floods in will agree, economically, educationally northern India. I am sure that we and socially empowered people add would all want to urge our respective strength and renewed vigour to the governments to provide whatever aid democratic process. and succour is needed to relieve those As your Chairperson as we in need. approach the second decade of the Obviously, I am delighted to be 21st century, I have pledged myself to given the honour of being your use my experience both as a Chairperson and I am mindful of the Parliamentarian and as a decisionresponsibilities that this entails as we maker to build on the foundations of move toward the centenary of our our CPA forebears and reach out to association in 2011 and as we enact the the future with hope, creativity, comCPA Strategic Plan.

Hon. Dato’ Seri passion and no little commitment.

There is no doubt in my mind that Mohd. Shafie Apdal, Inter-racial and religious diversity in committing ourselves to the CPA MP is a force for good in the world; but Strategic Plan we must contemporane- Chairperson of the CPA we must work hard especially through ously address the issues of poverty, edu- Executive Committee the parliamentary process to enhance cation, health and climate change. But and Minister of Unity, understanding, reduce tensions and not more – we must reach out to the Culture,Arts and provide extremists with the opportuniyoung and ensure that parliamentary Heritage, Malaysia ty to exploit those tensions for quasidemocracy remains relevant, vibrant political gains. and devoid of tired rhetoric and worn-out Neither at the same time can we allow the polemics. giants of the multinationals – especially in the agro We must become more efficient and actionbusinesses – to keep “calling the shots” at the focused and recognize that we now live in a techexpense of the small farmer, the local entrepreneur nologically driven globalized village. This means and the millions of families in our community of that we must work collaboratively to close the curnations. I would like to see us be much more prorently expanding information technology gap and active in supporting the economic development of show that the parliamentary system of democracy the poorer nations and I want to use this occasion can and will meet the needs and aspirations of all to urge Members of the more developed nations to the people: men and women of all ages, of all the use their influence to ensure the earliest possible races and religions. The as-yet unfulfilled promise of completion of the Doha round. the electronic age is that it has the potential to I recognize that we all face tough times ahead engage more people in the democratic process. For for not only do we have to tackle the rising costs of example, during our last election here in Malaysia, energy but the consequential inflationary pressures. we found that the young especially did not rely on This will inevitably place stress on our parliamenthe traditional media but used blogs, SMSs and tary systems and I want to encourage support for CD-ROMs. each other in finding innovative ways to address the The potential of IT for the CPA’s educational problems. work must be accelerated. It is my dream not only Finally, as a citizen of a multi-cultural nation to see that we can improve the economic and social where we celebrate many festivals, I wish you all a welfare of our peoples but also, for example, to see happy Eid ul-Fitr, Deepavali, Christmas and that my constituents and yours are computerChinese New Year.

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The democratic alternative Governance through power-sharing

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ernments-in-waiting.This is more eviemocracy is normally associated dent in societies where elections are with majority rule. In many suspected to be unfair, are violent and Commonwealth countries, are marred by corruption. In these democracy through majority rule results cases, the winners emerge from doubtin power, that is, the power to govern. ful encounters and therefore disputes Power to govern, in parliamentary follow. Because violence is injurious to democracy, is acquired through elections. society, and it can develop into fullElecting a majority of Members through blown conflict, mediators are usually political parties legitimizes a political called in to resolve the political relaparty to form a government. In recent tionship. As has happened in recent times, however, a new democratic practimes, mediators seeking to invoke tice termed power-sharing has emerged, Dr William F. Shija particularly in young democracies.

Secretary-General of the power-sharing have moved in to resolve the political conflicts in Kenya and Power-sharing has emerged as a soluCommonwealth Zimbabwe and the practice appears to tion for conflicting parties which cannot Parliamentary have worked in those countries. In these embrace the results of majority rule in Association two countries, the winner-takes-all its literal meaning. Under normal cirpractice, which is normal in parliamentary practice, cumstances, majority rule or winner-takes-all is not has been defeated. being quickly accepted as a division between the The power-sharing practice being brought into our winners and losers, or the government and the gov-

The Secretary-General’s Left:The Secretary-General with CWP Chairperson Hon. Kashmala Tariq and CWP President Hon. Dato’ Ng Yen Yen at the CWP conference in Malaysia.

Right: Dr Villami Latu (far left) and Mr Sione Tekiteki (far right) along with their wives and the clerk of the Australian House of Representatives, Mr Ian Harris, AO (centre) at the CPA Media Workshop in Tonga.

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The Secretary General’s View

they hang on potentially explosive structures? parliamentary practices is a welcome one principally It appears that power-sharing is positive in those geared towards political accommodation in governance. countries seeking to perfect the democratic process.

This is particularly important in young democracies, In mature democracies, power-sharing has been pracwhere political and economic institutions are still fragile tised through party coalitions, proportional represenand weak. Power-sharing appears positive where a group seeks to address resource equity and the spread of tation and allowing for independent candidates.

Under these practices, power across society. not only is wide reprePower-sharing appears to sentation guaranteed, but be effective in combating political party and indipoverty, overcoming vidual monopoly is also imbalances and in buildminimized. Also, the ing the much-needed representation of several national consensus. groups – women, the In large measure, disabled, et cetera – is power-sharing appears to The Secretary-General talking to Hon.Tan Sri secured. subdue confrontation and Pandikar Amin Mulia, MP, Speaker of the Malaysian House of Representatives.

I, therefore, wish to violence. join all those who have, Nevertheless, we still and will, assist in utilizing the power-sharing practice do not know how to sustain power-sharing.We still as a necessary tool to resolve political conflicts in do not know how the parts (political parties) will young democracies. I also join all those who wish to hold in those countries with power-sharing systems, encourage young democracies to learn and utilize the knowing that each party has a distinct agenda to win principles of coalitions, proportional representation the next election and then govern.We still have to and the provision of free independent election candistudy how power responsibility and accountability are datures as a way of sharing power in democracies shared and managed in a power-sharing system. Are where every citizen is eligible to participate. these arrangements going to produce cohesion or do

Commonwealth Gallery Right: Hon. Princess Masiko Kabakumba, Government Chief Whip, (centre) with Hon. Wadri Kassiano Ezati, Opposition Chief Whip and (left) Secretary to the Delegation Mr Ignatius Kasirye during a visit to the CPA Headquarters in London.

Below: CPA Treasurer Hon. Hashim Abdul Halim (left) talking to the Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Seri Haji Mohd. Ali bin Mohd Rustam.

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54TH COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE 1-10 August 2008, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Expanding the Role of Parliament in Global Society: Environment, Development and Security

Over 170 Parliaments and Legislatures were represented at the 54th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference by apprximately 700 Members, officials and accompanying persons, as well as by representatives of a number of international agencies. The conference also included: the two-day Small Branches Conference, a one-day Conference of Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, as well as meetings of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Executive Committee and the General Assembly.

The meetings were held in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and were hosted by the Parliament of Malaysia.

This report includes summaries of the main points of agreement and disagreement during the plenary conference and Small Branches discussions, as well as the opening ceremony speeches and the addresses to delegates by the CPA and Commonwealth SecretariesGeneral.

The conference also included a tour by coach to Malacca, where participants watched a renactment of a traditional Malaysian wedding followed by a tour of the historic town.

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54th COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Plenary session - 5 August 2008

Commonwealth Matters The CPA, environmental challenges and the global food crisis Speech by the CPA Secretary-General, Dr William F. Shija

President, at this conference, we are delighted to have been joined by new members of our Commonwealth family: the new Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Kamalesh Sharma and Mrs Sharma. I wish to take this opportunity to welcome to our conference the new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, having taken up his appointment in April this year. Mr Sharma is widely known in the Commonwealth community and in the diplomatic circles of the world, having served his country, India, in many public and diplomatic assignments around the world.We wish him and his family the best of health and a successful term of service as Commonwealth Secretary-General.

On your behalf, I wish to assure Mr Sharma of our utmost co-operation and support for the benefit of the Commonwealth.

President, the delegates will have noted that this year the General Assembly will elect a new Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee to replace Hon. Hashim

Abdul Halim, MLA., after completing his three-year term, having been elected at the 51st Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Fiji in 2005. I wish to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Hon. Halim, for the guidance and leadership he has extended to me since I took office as Secretary-General in January last year.

Together with the rest of the members of the Executive Committee, he was very patient to hear what I planned to do at the Secretariat, particularly in my mission to take the Association to all the members and the public, as well as to deepen our collaboration with other international organizations in parliamentary democracy, research, documentation and information sharing.When I accompanied you president, to the United Nations in New York last year, you conveyed the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s message to those who deserve to know more about our work. I wish Hon. Halim and the other outgoing members of the Executive Committee, the very best

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in the continued service to this noble parliamentary organization.

In the same vein, I wish to pledge my loyalty and service to the next chairperson and other incoming members of the Executive Committee for what I will share with them in terms of policy developments and programme implementation to further strengthen the Association.

In this note, and on behalf of all the staff members at the Secretariat, I also wish to thank you all for the cooperation and assistance extended to us when we joined you in Branches and Regions to implement various programmes, in accordance with our Strategic Plan for 2008-2012, as adopted in India.

CPA activities Since India, the Secretariat staff and I were happy to join you in our parliamentary activities in, just to mention a few, Australia, Kenya, Scotland, Papua New Guinea,Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Canada, Zambia, Turks and Caicos, South Africa,

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Commonwealth Matters From left: CPA Vice-President Hon. Samuel Sitta, CPA President Hon.Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, CPA Secretary-General Dr William F. Shija, CPA Chairperson Hon. Hashim Abdul Halim and CPA Acting Treasurer Ms Clare Christian.

Maldives Gibraltar, Guyana, Nigeria and at Westminster in London. Also, to all our international collaborators, some of whom are represented at this conference, we thank you very much for your co-operation, resourcefulness and partnership.

I also wish to thank most sincerely all the staff members at the CPA Headquarters who work long hours to ensure that our services to you are efficiently discharged. Similarly I wish to thank most heartily all the Parliamentary Clerks and Staff in all our Branches and Regions for their untiring support to the Association’s activities.

Confronting the issue President, with regard to the conference theme, as we all know, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conducts its activities in accordance with the wishes of Members and as influenced by global contemporary issues. At the choice of Branches, this 54th Conference has set out to debate on the theme “Expanding the Role of Parliament in Global Society: Environment,

Development and Security”.This concern is a continuation from last year.This year the Executive Committee has added to this concern the issue of the current problem of the world food crisis, in terms of prices and supply.The whole purpose is to provide an opportunity for Commonwealth Parliamentarians to discuss and identify policy options on the issues of environmental degradation and climate change as it affects human development, security, and the often recurrent food shortage in the world, resulting in poverty.

It should be noted that before and after our 53rd Conference in India last year, several regional and international fora have continued to address the issue of climate change and its effects; at the United Nations, the European Union, OECD, African Union, CARICOM, ASEAN, as well as individual countries all over the world. In fact, the available information shows that a number of our CPA Regional Conferences this year, such as the ones in Anguilla for the Caribbean Region; in Zambia for the Africa Region; and in Gibraltar for

the British Islands and the Mediterranean, have addressed the issue of climate change.We expect the policy solutions suggested by the regional debates to make inputs into the proceedings at this conference so as to benefit the Commonwealth and global communities we serve; small or large, poor or rich, industrialized or agrarian, island or continental.

I am happy to say that with effect from this year, the CPA will produce a conference summary to show its opinion on the subject or issue discussed and deliberated upon.The document will then form one of the major products or outcome of the conference theme for the year, to be duly shared with all Members in Branches and the general public at large. Indeed, gone are the days when the CPA would hold such a major conference and disperse without a tangible product.

Secondly, president, the issue of climate change and global warming has been with us for quite some time now. It is a complex issue. Even before the Kyoto Protocol was brought into force in 2005, policy

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makers and the public at large has been extensively informed of the reality of climate change. Global warming has been presented by many fact-finding projects such as the Al Gore Climate Change Project, the United Nations Environmental Programme Studies on Climate Change and several regional, national and individual scientists. At the Commonwealth Day Lecture last year in London, sponsored by the Commonwealth Foundation, an environmental scientist from Canada, David Suzuki, admitted that the climate change problem was so complex that it required a balanced attention of everyone of us, rich or poor.

Almost every scientist admits that the effects of climate change include increased exposure to drought, rising temperatures, more erratic rainfall and extreme weather events that threaten water, agricultural systems and so forth, to the detriment of millions of people.

The numerous studies further support the hypothesis that global warming and climate change are, or is, imminently disastrous and therefore joint steps should be taken by the international community to solve the problems. From these studies, the policy option being advocated most is that climate change and global warming must be tackled in a unified global approach. In an environment where some countries may lose their geographies; floods and hurricanes destroying people’s lives and properties; pollution weakening people, animals and plants, and slowing industrialization by selected countries, the unity to overcome global warming is critical. Similarly, if energy and food prices have been soaring, how should we shape the policies to implement cuts in global warming emissions?

How soon are we going to turn around our economic reliance from traditional to alternative sources of energy? Who will bear the cost of these changes?

Responding to the challenges In response to these and other challenges, the international community has started to identify mitigation measures on global warming. In highly industrialized countries, the major option is to cut carbon dioxide emissions by significant targets during

the next 25 – 50 years.This approach embraces what is termed as the Kyoto-plus plan of action which centers on zero greenhouse gas technology to wipe out pollution.This and other approaches will require continued extensive negotiations between developed and developing countries on the best policies and methods to implement a new climate-change friendly economic system. Many players believe that partnership will be the key to the solutions to climate change and global warming.

Delegates to this conference will have the opportunity to exchange with experts on the options available and the methodology for global consensus building on this complex subject.

Thirdly, president, delegates to this conference will also have the opportunity to discuss a related issue to climate change; the current global food crisis. Both climate change and food crisis have serious development and security implications across the world. Again, a number of studies by the United Nations, the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), the World Bank and other agencies, suggest that there is a relationship between climate change/global warming on the one hand, and the high cost of energy and food on the other. Climate change is making agriculture, especially in developing countries, unpredictable and unproductive.

Unproductive agriculture results in hunger, which sometimes breeds violence and insecurity. And yet deforestation and destruction of water sources continues unabated, especially in poor Commonwealth countries.

The truth behind rising food costs Figures by the World Bank and DFID show that the main drivers of food prices are: demand growth for food; change in food consumption patterns due to middle class growth; the use of grains for biofuels; market volatility; rise in the cost of agricultural inputs – especially energy; water scarcity; and land availability.

It is, however, argued by a number of observers that the real driver of food prices is poverty. A report by the International Development Committee of the U.K House of Commons observes that: “The main obstacle to reducing hunger is

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poverty. Poor people cannot get enough food either by growing it or buying it.

Introducing measures to reduce poverty helps reduce hunger. Developing countries’ poverty reduction strategies have, however, often focused too much on treating the symptoms of hunger; e.g. through providing food aid, rather than dealing with the underlying causes. Country strategies and donor responses are getting better at broadening the focus especially highlighting economic growth as a powerful way of pulling people out of poverty.

Economic growth creates higher incomes, which help people save, invest, send children to school and protect themselves. And as economies grow, governments can raise the money they need for public services.”

(House of Commons International Development Committee;Tenth Report of Session 2007-08: volume 11:37) This statement of the report is important because of its high relevance to national and international contexts of hunger, poverty and partnerships.These contexts actually remind us of the global resolve to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, in which the question of poverty and hunger is priority number one. At the recent Rome Food Summit, it was noted that plans must be put in place for a global partnership in agriculture in order to accelerate the achievement of the MDG 1.The key word is partnership. How to forge the partnerships between various world blocks and agencies calls for full commitment by both developed and developing countries. Individual and joint country challenges, particularly through parliaments, must be undertaken to invest in agriculture together with the research that goes with it.

What is being suggested here is that plans, strategies and goals for climate change, as well as the eradication of poverty and hunger will not be easily achieved without strong regional partnerships and a single sincere global partnership, as stated in MDG 8 of the United Nations to which we are part.

President, distinguished delegates, I wish once again to thank you all, our resource persons, discussion leaders and moderators for making yourselves available for the success of the conference. I wish you all fruitful discussions and deliberations.

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The challenges facing the global society

I am delighted to take part in the 54th annual conference of one of the oldest, largest and most respected of Commonwealth bodies, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Ninety-seven years old this year; some 40 years older than the inter-governmental Commonwealth itself and with 16,000 members. I applaud you all, both Parliamentarians and Londonbased CPA staff under the Secretary-General William Shija. I also thank the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malaysia, the CPA President and all our hosts from the Malaysian Parliament.

Malaysia has always had a close relationship with the Commonwealth. The country hosted a CHOGM in 1989 that saw the Commonwealth establish itself firmly in the vanguard of international efforts to protect our environment.

It works closely with us in the training of public servants. It is home to the Commonwealth Tourism Centre; and next year it will host the 17th Commonwealth Conference of Education Ministers, testimony, not least, to its passionate commitment to - and high standards in - educating its young people to take on the world.

This is, of course, my first CPA conference, four months into my new role. I have been given the warmest of welcomes to the Commonwealth, and feel enormously energized by the challenge.

So I am delighted to be here at the CPA Conference. Thank you for inviting me.

Let me begin by sharing with you some of the things that have happened in my first four months, before reflecting on those things we would wish to see happen over the

next four years. Perhaps I can highlight three mid-month happenings in London that have been of great significance.

Significant events In mid-May, six weeks into my tenure, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group lifted the suspension of Pakistan, which had been applied in late November at the time of our last Heads of Government Meeting. Suspension

need not imply censure: we accept that all of our member states are permanently journeying towards stronger democracy which reflects the fundamentals and reflects local needs and circumstances. Pakistan’s derogations at the time of the State of Emergency were removed with parliamentary elections of February. Our commitment is to walk with that country now to support the Government’s stated aim to make Parliament the ultimate authority in Pakistan.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Mr Kamalesh Sharma.

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Speech by the Commonwealth Secretary-General Mr Kamalesh Sharma

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We are keen to work with the CPA towards that goal, strengthening parliamentary processes like the work of committees, drafting legislation, and more. And Commonwealth help can go further, for instance in strengthening an independent election commission,and local government structures where another of our associate bodies, the Commonwealth Local Government Forum is also active.

In mid-May, our Board of Governors approved our new fouryear strategic plan for the Commonwealth Secretariat, which continues to place promoting democracy as one of its two pillars, alongside fostering development, both economic and human. In mid-June, we convened 11 Heads of Government in London, to develop a Commonwealth position on rethinking and reforming global institutions.

Our leaders committed themselves to reform when they met for their CHOGM in Kampala.

This London meeting was aimed at fleshing out some of the details and shared levels of ambition for reform. First, we seek a UN,World Bank and IMF which are equal to the expectations of a speedily transforming world. Second, we seek a new system of global governance for the environment and development.

When all Heads of Government meet in September, the weight of the 11 in arguing for specific global change, should become the weight of 53. For almost a third of my time to date, I have been on the road, or more accurately in the air.

An early visit to Uganda was a chance to share with President Museveni, the Commonwealth Chair-in-Office, the progress made to date on some of the political mandates we were given last November.

A trip to Kenya bolstered practical Commonwealth support being given in the aftermath of the violence of early January and the subsequent formation of a national government.

A visit to Mauritius introduced me to Southern African leaders, and was a chance to recalibrate and reaffirm our Commonwealth concern, not only in meeting the persistent challenge of poverty, but also over the

situation in Zimbabwe, and our wish to support African initiatives to help find a solution there.

Three Ministerial Meetings have shown me the Commonwealth in action debating both policy and best practice.Youth Ministers met in Colombo; Health Ministers in Geneva; Law Ministers in Edinburgh.

I was able to tell the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Summit in Rome how the Commonwealth can mobilize its networks of farmers to boost agricultural production. Last month I discussed at first hand the ways in which the Commonwealth brings its expertise to the small states of the Caribbean at the CARICOM Summit in Antigua, and I shall also be doing the same with those of the Pacific.

Continuing the work It has been a rich and intense baptism into the Commonwealth – its political reach, its practical impact, its role as a trusted partner. Our vision for it continues to develop. It will build upon the existing pillars of democracy and development, which alliterate just as well to governance and growth.

Governance continues to be a core Commonwealth strength, with our superb track record in strengthening democratic processes and institutions. Growth will be the biggest determinant of success, and where we judge it evident in two particular groups of society – women, and young people – then we will know that it is for real. But we envisage a third ‘G’ as part of our vision for the Commonwealth, and that is Globalism.

Globalisation is a phenomenon; globalism is a positive orientation towards this compressing world. We are part of a compacting world, in which change is unstoppable, and so, too, is the imperative of integration.

The good effects of trade, culture and technologynow cross borders as easily as the ill effects of disease, climate change and environmental degradation or terrorism.

Global economic phenomena embrace all, whether they are rising energy or food prices, or financial

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turbulence. The Commonwealth belongs to that world – indeed, it straddles it. It must believe that it can help influence and shape it.

I have the trust that this organisation will become ever more globalist in its outlook, in keeping with the globalization of our collective lives. We can pursue our enlightened goals in alliance with more people who recognize our credibility, reach, global commitment and exceptional pedigree. We can find new partners in governments beyond our membership, in different inter-governmental bodies, in Foundations or the private sector. We can see our models of best practice used far beyond our own confines.

Everything about the world that we live in,and the attributes that we ourselves bring to it, decree that we should continue to look outwards, and to invest our huge access and our authority, for even greater causes.

It is this word ‘Globalism’ that brings me to the theme of this meeting, ‘Expanding the role of Parliament in Global Society: Environment, Development, Security’, the component parts of which merit unpacking. Let me begin with ‘global society’.

Global society The interconnectedness of things is not in doubt. The click of a mouse secures a global audience. Whether it is avian flu or SARS travelling by airplane; four billion people watching a World Cup final; polluted rivers, oceans and air currents traversing countries, regions, even continents; goods produced cheaply in one continent becoming ubiquitous in another; financiers buying and selling millions around the globe in seconds; the reach of civil society, just as the reach of the uncivil society – whatever it is, our society is a global one, for better and for worse.

The challenges of global society require global scrutiny and responses. Hence the importance of the global bodies we mentioned – how, for instance, can we safeguard the future of our natural world of lands and seas by doing anything other than agreeing amongst ourselves, in global forums, how to do so? How can we expect regional and bilateral

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The role of Parliaments Parliaments and parliamentarians are at the heart of the democratic process. In a sense, the Parliament as an institution is the embodiment of democracy in a country. It is where the heart of the democracy beats, nourishing the entire polity of a nation.

In a system where legitimacy is predicated upon the will of the people, national Parliaments, state assemblies and local councils are where the people’s elected representatives gather, serving the people and holding governments accountable.

However, one of the great problems we face in so many places is how to get the animosity, the antagonism and the conflict out of politics. How can we help governments and opposition parties work together in a constructive and collaborative way, for the benefit of the nation? Political competitors, yes, but respecting the rule of law, and the rules of the game.

Parliament is where governments and opposition come together faceto-face to debate national issues, to disagree, to find compromise, to win

some political battles, lose others, but take democratically derived public policy forward. One might say, when parliaments work, by providing the opposition with a voice and a fair chance to influence the policies and events of the day, then the democratic process works.

When parliaments do not work, by not allowing real debate and scrutiny of government business, then the democratic process does not work, and often conflict is not far away. So it is imperative that we help to create strong and enduring democratic institutions.

Visionary leaders play a vital role, but we should stress the importance of institutions, not individuals.

Ultimately it is strong, credible and independent institutions which will prevail and ensure that the fruits of democracy are there for the many, and not just the few. And these institutions have to be nurtured, supported and strengthened in the right spirit. The invisible is as much a pillar of the democratic state as the visible.

Let me turn briefly to the final clause in the conference theme title: ‘Environment, Development, Security’. Here, of course, the abiding point is that Parliaments have to look at these as more than just national challenges. Climate change, poverty, terrorism: they have little respect for national borders.The value of the Commonwealth response is that it helps to bring global solutions to global problems.

Take climate change, where we are unfolding a Commonwealth action plan with regional and global dimensions.We are helping individual and groups of countries in their international negotiations in the runup to Copenhagen and in the search for a post-Kyoto deal.

We are mobilising the Commonwealth civil society network of statisticians, geographers, foresters, and meteorologists. We are examining best models for land management and forestation, and conducting studies on the export of agricultural produce.

We are also taking initiatives in natural disaster preparedness and management. Responses to poverty, and the quest for development are also universal. There are different

routes to economic growth, but economic transformation is a house built on weak foundations without the corollary of political and socialtransformation.

Transformation is of limited lasting value if it’s not democratic. We are currently doing some work on Public Private Partnerships around the Commonwealth, to contribute to the discourse on quality transformation. And we will share this with our Heads of Government when they meet in New York in September.

Also in New York, we will be presenting the best of our communal responses to the challenges which are born of fractures within society. Some of you will be familiar with the hugely important Commonwealth report last year, called Civil Paths to Peace. It came out of a mandate given us by Heads of Government – in the wake of 9/11 and an increasing sense of division in our societies – to examine what it is that holds societies together, and what it is that undermines them. Amartya Sen led a Commission which made us think anew about our multiple identities as human beings.

The report looked at the faultlines not just of different faiths, ethnicities and languages, but of young and old, urban and rural, rich and poor. As importantly, it also advised us as to how to do it better, giving examples of where we have successfully done so.

In a melding and inter-connected world in which a triumph or a failure is not for one but for all, we are committed to sharing what we know. In the face of the challenges of Environment, Development and Security, how can Parliaments transfer their inherent nationality to a regionality, and beyond? That is the crux of this conference: we will know more of the answers in two days time. No doubt you will examine the role of regional Parliaments.

You may try to look at the work of the European Parliament – with its cross-party committees on ‘Environment, Development, Security’ and more and its capacity to affect policy and budget expenditure.You may also look at the role of provincial assemblies and local

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trade deals to protect and promote trade in the way that a global rulebased arrangement ought to? Does it not make sense to debate desired global trading outcomes – particularly the development dividend – collectively but fairly? The nation state is alive and well, but its power is receding.

You as nation state Parliamentarians may face constituents who want to lobby you about their local roads and schools, but increasingly many of the issues that people want solved will be lodged not only in your national assemblies, but also far away in global convocation. Again, trade and the environment are good examples.

‘Global society’ for the Commonwealth embraces in particular, the small and fragile and vulnerable states. We believe in an equal right to national salvation for all states, irrespective of size and endowment.

Let me turn to another clause in this conference’s theme title: ‘the role of Parliament’.

Commonwealth Matters

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government – because international commitments have to be implemented on a national scale, and down to the local level. But no doubt you will find, too, that challenges remain national, and remain in your national parliamentary domain.

Maintaining security This is especially the case with security. The painful truth is that all societies have many potential sources of conflict, with domestic to national and regional concerns.

Sometimes these can create a volatile mix of cultural, economic, and political divisions. A democratically elected – and performing – Parliament, in which candidates representing all shades of political opinion are free to be fairly elected through the ballot box, is the best means of securing convergence, preventing conflict and ensuring an enduring peace.

Before I finish, let me just offer a view of recent parliamentary news in the Commonwealth.

In recent times we have had difficulties in Kenya and Pakistan, both of which I have already mentioned.

I have also referred to the Commonwealth’s readiness to help both countries find parliamentary solutions to their problems.

In both cases, parties from across the respective divides are coming together in parliament, to discuss, argue, and differ, but also find common ground and help their countries find a way forward.

We confer the same hopes for Fiji – again, sadly suspended from the Commonwealth – that all parties will move swiftly towards elections by March 2009 to restore democratic legitimacy to that country.

In Sierra Leone at this time last year we saw a peaceful handover of power following an election victory by the Opposition. Of course, tensions and disagreements remain, and of course – given the chronic unemployment and illiteracy in the country – serious long-term challenges remain.

However, how encouraging it is to reflect on this story, as the incumbent vacated office following a credible election.

Belize is another interesting example. A very different country, with a very different history. In the elections of February this year, the Government went into the election holding 22 of the 31 seats. On polling day, the Opposition won 25 and the incumbent just six. A peaceful, orderly exchange of power followed.

This is the type of model we need to emulate and support everywhere, through developing parliamentary procedures, respecting constitutional governance, developing a culture of participation. And this should be firmly supported by institutions such as election commissions respected for their integrity, transparency and even-handedness by the people, who are sovereign. I have spoken of the pursuit of ideal, and I have spoken of the challenge of the reality.

It’s up to you as Parliamentarians – and us in the CPA and Commonwealth Secretariat – to close the space between the two. It’s happening all the time. This year, for instance, we jointly sponsored a strategic plan for the development of the parliament in Guyana.

The CPA and the Commonwealth Secretariat ran a workshop in Nigeria in June, on the subject of ‘Government and Opposition in West Africa’. It was a resounding success,bringing together governments and oppositions and making them partners in the development of the democratic process, and not adversaries.

Participants highlighted what in their view were some of the key elements that can strengthen a Parliament, and ensure that it is a place where both Government and Opposition alike can play a constructive role. These included ensuring that there is an adequate committee system, providing for freedom of information, and building up a professional and impartial parliamentary staff.

Reflecting on Abuja At the risk of making a less popular remark, I want to end by sharing another important conclusion of that Abuja event.

It relates directly to the issue of parliamentary integrity and rele-

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vance for the people. MPs spoke at length about their responsibilities in maintaining the spirit of the office.

They concluded that MPs need to remember that they are in service of the people. Also, that their behaviour reflects on the integrity of the office and the institution, and that salaries must reflect national circumstances and not appear as a wealth accumulation exercise whilst the people are going through hardship.

I share these points because, as I am sure you will agree, they clearly affect the public perception of the Parliament as an institution. And, as we all know: in politics, perception can be all! Society is global, as are so many of the challenges we will be looking at, in environment, development and security.

Following the trend, national Parliaments increasingly see that business needs to be settled far beyond their own debating chambers. But their first constituency is always at home, and their first principles are these that I have described.

Parliaments and parliamentarians are the guardians of their countries’ democracies. That is the weight of your responsibility – I urge you to carry it well. That is also the weight of our responsibility in the Commonwealth Secretariat, to continue to make ourselves available as dedicated strategic partners. We shall endeavour to carry it out to the best of our ability.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I spoke a few moments ago about one of our major publications. Let me conclude, before the next part of the programme, with a very short book launch. We have spoken about globalization and globalism. But we must also not lose sight of the trend at the end of the spectrum in recent decades. I speak of the trend towards enhanced local government – strengthening democracy as close as possible to individuals themselves in their daily lives. We have been doing quite a lot of work to support this, and I am very pleased to commend to you our latest publication, Financing Local Government. Copies are available for you, but let me observe all ‘launching’ honours by presenting this copy to Dr Shija on your behalf.

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Commonwealth questions and answers

The fate of Zimbabweans Ms Kate Hoey, MP, of the United Kingdom asked how the Commonwealth Secretariat was contributing to the resolution of the conflict and to the preservation of democratic governance in Zimbabwe.

The government of that southern African nation left the Commonwealth; but its people did not, she argued.

Mr Sharma and Dr Shija agreed

that its Commonwealth neighbours, especially the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and South Africa, have to take the lead in resolving the crisis in Zimbabwe, and that the Commonwealth and the CPA both stand ready to assist when the time is right.

The Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral said his organization is constrained by Zimbabwe’s withdrawal from membership in 2003. But he added that he has focused on the Commonwealth’s desire to help since he assumed office in April.

Zimbabwe’s withdrawal is not seen as permanent and its early return would be welcome.The Commonwealth continues to express its support for the Zimbabwean people, and several Commonwealth civil society organizations remain engaged in a country whose neighbours are all Commonwealth states.

But the principal interlocutor in this issue must be African, said the Secretary-General, recalling that he had offered SADC and the African Union the Commonwealth’s assistance in peace building.

Mr Sharma also argued that the government of Zimbabwe subscribed to the Commonwealth Principles, which were enunciated in Harare.

Adherence to principles is a permanent commitment not dependent on continued membership in the organization; the government of Zimbabwe should seriously consider this commitment, he said.

Dr Shija agreed that the Commonwealth should remain ready to help Zimbabwe once progress begins to be achieved by SADC and especially by South African President H.E.Thabo Mbeki.

The CPA Secretary-General recalled that at the recent CPA African Regional Conference in Livingstone, Zambia, just across the border from Zimbabwe, he had said that Zimbabwe’s elected Parliamentarians need CPA support.

The parliamentary network can offer input to assist Zimbabwean society to heal by helping their Zimbabwean counterparts to resolve the conflict

and bring Zimbabwe back into the Commonwealth.

Helping the poorest during global crises Commonwealth developmental assistance to the world’s poorest nations was raised by Hon. Bai Kurr Kanagbaro Sanka, MP, of Sierra Leone who asked about assistance in dealing with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and in maintaining aid support programmes when donor nations are in difficulties resulting from the energy and food crises.When the rest of the world is in crisis, Africa is in disaster, he said.

Mr Sanka recalled that there was much talk in the 1990s about health and education for all by 2015; but many countries are not even close to achieving that goal. He asked if the developing world is being divided and whether Africa really has development goals in common with other regions.What will be the fate of the poorest nations, such as Sierra Leone, during global crises, he asked.

The Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral reported that Commonwealth Secretariat staff support and information to buttress their cases are provided to help member nations in WTO negotiations. A special session of Heads of Government is planned for September to consider the food crisis with a view to holding a conference on food and fertilizer prices. Mr Sharma added that Africa’s infrastructure development is also a critical issue so the development of such facilities and road and rail networks could also be considered.

With Africa accounting for 18 of its 53 member nations, the Commonwealth has a significant interest in the continent’s development. It is providing, for example, standardization programmes such as those in the governance area and is assisting member states to establish peer review mechanisms outside the Commonwealth.

The CPA is committed to providing post-election seminars and other workshops for Sierra Leone, in consultation with Branch officials to determine needs, said Dr Shija.

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Climate change challenges In response to a question from Sen. Bill Heffernan (Australia) who raised the issue of threats to development posed by various climate change predictions, Dr Shija said the CPA’s role in this complex issue is to expose Members to as much information as possible so they do not have to rely solely on solutions put forward by individual academics.There is a great deal of public confusion over this issue, with some saying climate change is a hoax or a threat designed to mislead, he added. MPs therefore need help to follow the debate and make the right decisions on policies and legislation related to issues such as emissions.

The CPA Secretary-General said the Association was represented a conference on the subject in Paris a month before where the emphasis was on the need for Parliamentarians to learn more about the issue so they can respond effectively.

Mr Sharma noted that no intergovernmental agency is now tasked with the climate change issue.The United Nations was established to deal with security threats to stop a third world war, the World Bank looks at monetary issues and the World Health Organization and various other bodies have their own areas of expertise.

He suggested that the World Bank be made responsible for anti-poverty programmes and for financing climate change policies, especially those for small vulnerable countries. Small island states such as the Maldives and the Commonwealth’s many Pacific island nations have no time left to wait for the world to act, he said.

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The CPA Secretary-General added that conditions are improving now that peace is becoming a stable way of life in the West African nation and its people are able to concentrate on bringing progress to their country.

Conflict, such as the civil strife that consumed Sierra Leone for many years, prevents the provision of better governance and therefore better services and policies and the development of the people, he said.

Dr Shija favoured the development of internal solutions within Africa so its countries generate wealth, produce enough food and choose the right partnerships for the continent to grow by making the best use of African resources.

Supporting democracy in Pakistan and Kenya Pakistani and Kenyan Members questioned what Commonwealth support their countries could receive as they struggle to restore peace following outbreaks of violence in conjunction with recent elections.

While thanking the Commonwealth for restoring Pakistan to active membership following its recent elections, Ms Nafisa Shah, MP, asked what further assistance her country could expect from the organization as it continues to fight its terrorist threat and tries to sustain peace.The newly elected Parliament of Pakistan is now in

place; but the country paid a huge price in the loss through assassination of former Prime Minister Mrs Benazir Bhutto as she campaigned for her Pakistan People’s Party, she said.

Mr Sharma said the Commonwealth is offering concrete practical help by tapping the enormous collective experience of Commonwealth member states.The Commonwealth has been helping the country’s election commission, the linchpin of democracy, to ensure it works well. Assistance is also being given to its human rights commission and constitutional advice has been provided.

The Commonwealth will also reconsider a review of the terrorism situation, he added.

Mr Sharma emphasized that the Commonwealth does not “grandstand” but offers real, practical assistance to member nations.

Hon. Kenneth Marende, MP, of Kenya said his country saw another aspect of globalization when the world reacted so quickly to the postelection violence which unfolded at the beginning of 2008. Kenyans then showed the world how to respond to such crises through coalition-building, a possible model for African nations which experience similar conflicts.

The Kenyan said his country is practicing democracy in governance by sharing opportunities equitably.

Kenya has now once again become a peaceful place and resumed its position in the world community. It will be a safe place to hold the 2010 Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, he added, asking what more the Commonwealth could do to ensure that democracy is practiced in everything, not just politics.

Mr Sharma replied that the need for justice is a strong emotion.

Everyone should be treated equitably and no one should be left behind. As with Pakistan, the Commonwealth has offered to assist in any constitutional reform programme.The Commonwealth Secretary-General noted that a judge is to enquire into the causes of Kenya’s post-election violence, so the Commonwealth stands ready to help the country deal with the consequences of this enquiry.

No country, not even the smallest, should be marginalized.This only creates divisions, he said.

The CPA Secretary-General commended Kenyan Parliamentarians for legislating to contain the violence and playing a crucial role in settling the conflict. He said transitional legislation was passed to enable the opposing sides to sit together to resolve their issues.Working through Parliament, Members demonstrated what Parliamentarians can do to rescue a nation from dire consequences, said Dr Shija.

Members raised questions on issues like the fate of the Zimbabwean people and helping the poor during global crises.

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Module 2: Parliament in Commonwealth Countries (March 9, 2009) The course, equivalent to 4 days (32 hours) of class room training, will start on March 9, 2009 and will last for approximately 5 weeks.

Topics covered will include:

The Development of the Modern Commonwealth;

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Module 3: Parliamentary Committees (May 4, 2009) The course, equivalent to 4 days (32 hours) of class room training, will start on May 4, 2009 and will last for approximately 5 weeks.Topics covered will include:

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54th COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Workshop A - 7 August 2008

Democracy and Global Peace – An International Order

Moderator: Sen. the Hon. Dato’ Ir.Wong Foon Meng (Malaysia) Discussion Leaders: Hon. S.K. Devamany, MP (Malaysia) Mr Kevin Deveaux (UNDP) Hon. Razali Ibrahim, MP (Malaysia) Hon. Nasharuddin Mat Isa, MP (Malaysia)

Workshop A addressed the issue of democracy and global peace, where around 100 delegates gathered to voice their concerns and offer solutions to the problem. There was general agreement among the discussion leaders and the other speakers for the need for parliaments to be responsible in striving toward achieving global peace as well as the need to preserve the environment.

Factors such as trust, opportunity and legitimacy were recognized as

prerequisites in avoiding conflict, while respecting and listening to the views of the minority and encouraging the participation of other organizations in achieving peace was a main concern among the speakers present.

Four factors Mr Kevin Deveaux, Parliamentary Development Policy Adviser at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) opened the

From left: Hon. Nasharuddin Mat Isa, Hon. S.K. Devamany and Hon. Razali Ibrahim.

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Discussion Leader Mr Kevin Deveaux from the UNDP.

Discussion Leader Hon. Razali Ibrahim.

enable groups to discuss their differences, but also reach a compromise and ensure a solution before it could escalate into conflict.

He described how Parliaments had the opportunity to resolve problems by the way political parties and groups were reflected in the structure of parliament, and legitimacy was gained by designing a parliament which reflected the interests of all groups and addressed the economic and social disparities.

On an international level, Mr Deveaux stressed the significance of parliaments taking the opportunity to work with parliaments from other countries in order to build trust as well as to learn from them.

He cited the AMANI Group – a forum of over 650 Parliamentarians committed to the peaceful resolution of conflicts in the Great Lakes Region of Africa – as a good example.

Hon. Shaun Byneveldt, MPL, (Western Cape) agreed with Mr Deveaux’s views, and while he argued that it was up to individuals to decide their own destiny, it was the government’s responsibility to work towards alleviating issues dealing with hunger, poverty and disease.

Leading the way with education Hon. Razali Ibrahim, MP, (Malaysia) urged that it was education not knowledge of facts that constituted a successful democracy. Elaborating further, he said that the best political approach to establishing a legitimate government was the universally accepted concept of ‘representative democracy’. Engaging with the media, non-governmental organizations, opposition parties and civil

Starting at home Mr Bill Cash, MP, (United Kingdom) argued that democracy had to be based on principle and essentially begin at home. He also raised the critical point of awarding greater freedom of expression to the mass media as well as having a wider appreciation of the views of the minority, all which are vital to working towards global peace. Mr Cash’s point was echoed by Shri Sachin Pilot, MP, (India) who detailed the functioning of democracy in India and spoke about the need to appreciate and respect minority views.

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discussion by listing four factors that were imperative in avoiding conflict.

They were: trust, dialogue, opportunity and legitimacy. To highlight his point on trust, Mr Deveaux referred to a quote from a speech read by the President of Indonesia, Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2005, where she said that “trust was vital to her government resolving conflicts amongst ethnic groups in her country”. Mr Deveaux emphasized how dialogue was an alternative to conflict, whereby parliaments were, by definition, venues for dialogue.

Thus, he stressed that parliaments had to offer constituents a forum where diverse groups could work together on a daily basis, even if they were from different political parties. A forum would not only

society parties was another important tool to working towards achieving global peace. Mr Ibrahim encouraged commonwealth countries to practice transparent governance, accountability and dialogue among democratic nations.

Hon. Engr Khurram Dastgir Khan, MP, (Pakistan) also acknowledged that education was key to educating people about the environment and utilizing agricultural resources to ensure self-sufficiency.

He then highlighted how much of the current global conflict arose due to people’s definitions of terrorism.

Following on from Mr Khan’s point, Hon. Khalifa Sulayman, MP (Tanzania) pinpointed how Africa’s definition of democracy differed to that in the western world.

Highlighting good governance as the prerequisite for the sustainability of peace, Ms Sulayman said that some African leaders betrayed the trust and confidence of their constituencies because of their own personal agendas.

The essence of democracy according to Hon. Nasharuddin Mat Isa, MP, (Malaysia) is the separation of powers between the executive, Legislature and the judiciary.

Reiterating the views of Mr Deveaux, Mr Isa also stressed the significance of dialogue as an alternative to conflict, and outlined key factors in achieving global peace.

These were: the consolidation of democratic institutions, the promotion of public participation, encouragement of NGO and CSO participation and the dialogue and exploration of strengths and similarities.

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54th COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Workshop B - 7 August 2008

Sustainable development in the context of rapid urbanization and rural decline Moderator: Hon. Delroy Chuck, MP (Jamaica) Discussion Leaders: Hon. Karyn Paluzzano, MP (New South Wales) Hon. Markandey Rai, Co-ordinator of Global Parliamentarians, UN-HABITAT Rt Hon. Augustine Nwankwagu, MLA (Ebonyi) Workshop B addressed the concept of sustainable development, taking into account urban growth and the need for sustainable urbanization.

There was a general consensus among the discussion leaders and the speakers that sustainable development should meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Members present also recog-

nized the reality of the United Nations prediction that the urban population in 2008 would equal that of the rural population ultimately leading to the dominance of the urbanization.

Sustainable development encompasses a number of inter-related areas and highlights sustainability as an idea of environmental, economic and social progress and equity, all within the limits of the world’s natural resources. It also addresses the global issues of poverty, inequality, hunger and environmental degradation.

Speakers agreed that it was absolutely necessary for nations to pursue the UN-HABITAT Action Plan as a global plan of action to sustain development of the world’s cities, towns and villages.

It should not be left to governments alone, but should be seen as a

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partnership between all nations that moves beyond arguments about urban versus rural and recognizes the reality of urban growth and migration among human settlements and focuses on effective management of the process. Likewise, public private partnerships should be pursued to ensure the provision of facilities, particularly in rural areas to slow down migration.

Parliamentarians were urged to give their vital and active support, whether in government or opposition, to ensure the implementation of appropriate policies.

While urbanization does create problems, Parliamentarians were aware that it also provides opportunities for combating climate change through economy of scale and population density which, in turn, provides dividends in energy saving, waste management, use of water and

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and services, including water and sanitation, slum prevention, and slum upgrading. Cities also had to be aware of and responsive to their wider environmental impacts, and especially the adverse impacts on surrounding rural regions. This required a wide range of partners in working towards economic development and poverty reduction, or for better dealing with the city’s environmental impacts, or for providing public services. There had to be a coherent overall framework involving governments, local authorities,

business-industrial locations in cities.

UN-HABITAT assumed the additional responsibility to monitor the progress of the UN Millennium Assembly goal and target of achieving, by 2020, a significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers. The deprivation suffered by these people constituted a major threat, not only to their welfare, but also to the overall security and stability of their respective societies. These people were more likely than the rural population to

Malaysian federal and state Members follow a UN-HABITAT statistical presentation on global urbanization.

Managing the situation Mr Markandey Rai (Co-ordinator for Global Parliamentarians UNHABITAT) in initiating the discussion, proposed that the principal challenges to sustainable urbanization lay in the general lack of planning, implementation and management capabilities on the part of local Government and their local partners. Urban governance and management had to take into account fiscal and political decentralization, spatial planning, management and climate change; along with pro-poor equal access to land and housing and basic infrastructure

private sectors, NGO’s and professional groups. It was predicted that by 2025 the biggest urban agglomerations would be in the developing countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America, with the difference in the level of urbanization diminishing between the more developed and that of the less developed regions.

Mr Rai noted that urbanization was linked to economic development with the transformation from an agricultural-based economy to an industrial-service based economy with production of manufacturing and services being much more efficient when concentrated in dense

die early or suffer from malnutrition and disease. Water is life and sanitation is dignity. Sustainable development could not be achieved unless governments provided the basic services of water and sanitation to the people.

Mr Rai detailed how urbanization was a key factor responsible for climate change which caused droughts, floods and natural disasters. The interaction between urbanization and climate change was of vital importance to the future wellbeing of the human population.

Reinforcing his point, he highlighted how the thermo-dynamic models

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sanitation facilities and communication. In addition, the mobilization of communities including young people and women for social action in raising awareness cannot be underestimated.

It was agreed that in order to pursue an agenda for sustainable development and transformation, it is necessary for governments across the world to exchange ideas and experiences, for experts to exchange knowledge and for stakeholders to participate in forums for progress and change.

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of the atmosphere considered cities as heat islands that influenced its general flow boundary layer. At present, roughly half of the greenhouse gases came from burning fossil fuels in cities for urban transport with the other half coming from energy for buildings as well as for the use of appliances.

An Australian case study Ms Karyn Paluzzano, MP, (New South Wales) accounted the vast demographic changes that had occurred in modern Australia in the transformation of a rural to an urban society. In 1861, more than 60 per cent of the population was rural dwellers, but this had dramatically changed a century later, where in 1961, 82 per cent of the population resided in the capital cities urban areas.

Ms Paluzzano reported that Australia had experienced one of the highest urban growth rates in the developing world and the irreversible conversion of agricultural to urban land cover was still occurring.

Focusing on the area of Greater Western Sydney, she pointed out that the area was one of the most diverse yet fragile in Australia, with its forests being the lungs and its catchments, the life blood of an ever-expanding Sydney. The need to preserve these natural resources against the increasing pressures on urban sprawl and industry development was one of the region’s greatest challenges.

The philosophy of ‘Total Catchment Management’ had been incorporated into planning and development policies of both local and state governments and businesses, and all major developments required an ‘Environmental Impact Statement’ to be completed before construction could begin.

Acknowledgement of the importance of the region’s environmental heritage in thriving tourism had led to the consideration of appropriate planning and management of these environmental assets in order to provide a growing source of employment in the recreation and leisure sector, adding millions of dollars to the local economy.

Other measures introduced by the New South Wales government

included the Building Sustainability Index (BASIX), which ensured homes were designed to use less potable water and be responsible for fewer greenhouse gas emissions by setting energy and water reduction targets for houses and units. BASIX allowed users to determine how they would meet targets from a wide range of options such as rainwater tanks, water-saving fixtures, improved installation, passive solar orientation, natural lighting and native plants for gardens.

Urbanization overtaking Nigeria’s cities Rt Hon. Augustine Nwankwagu, MLA, (Ebonyi) compared the current situation in Nigeria to what was happening in most African societies. He said that although Nigeria had experienced urbanization as any other African nation, growth was not confined to one primary city, but several major ones.

Urbanization in Nigeria resulted from the growth of coastal trade with the subsequent concentration of wealth, prestige and political power that attracted large numbers of migrants from the countryside and distant regions.

Growth in infrastructure as well as most Government offices, ministries and banks were located in urban areas, attracting higher rates of migration.The rate of relocating to urban areas in Nigeria was currently 20 per cent but was expected to increase to 40 per cent by 2010. Quoting the former UN Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan, Mr Nwankwagu said that the increase in urban areas was a factor in the increase in poverty, whereby expanding populations in rapidly urbanizing areas took a toll on sustainable development and food subsistence.

The three tiers of government in Nigeria, federal, state and local, each received statutory allocations and there was an expectation that the funds received be applied to improve the living conditions of the people. However, this was not always the case, as the different tiers of Government did not always properly utilize the funds to sustain development, with various governments embarking on different programmes.

He used the example of Lagos state,

184 The Parliamentarian 2008/Issue Three

where the increasing government drive towards urban sanitation led to the demolition of structures considered illegal. This resulted in affected persons leaving the city and returning to their rural dwellings.

The Lagos state government also encouraged task forces to reduce crime in the city and provide opportunities for investment. On the other hand, the Ebonyi state government provided loan facilities to farmers in order to make a profession in agriculture more attractive. This was noted as an excellent programme for the state government to pursue vigorously with the provision of water, roads and light in rural areas in order to stop rural decline.

The federal government of Nigeria had adopted the National Poverty Eradication Programme in which unemployed youth were given vocational training and provided with interest free loans to establish their trade in both rural and city areas.

Despite its good intentions, the programme was found to lack proper co-ordination and resources.

To conclude, Mr Nwankwagu noted the importance of the role of legislatures in ensuring the oversight of the executive, both at federal and state levels through the power of consideration of the overall budget and its application to ensure sustainable growth of development in both urban and rural areas.

Dr Kapila Vatsyayan, MP, (India Union) reported that India launched several schemes to ensure a balance between rural and urban development, and maintained it was a question of equity between the developed and the developing world.

Hon. Harbans Kapoor, MLA, (Uttarakhand) agreed with Dr Vatsyayan, and stressed that a balance needed to be maintained between rural and urban areas to ensure that future generations did not suffer from the current situation.

Delegates respond Mr Manvendra Singh, MP, (India Union) was concerned that there was a tendency for only one model in development, urbanization, where in the future, the rural sector would not be producing sufficient food supplies with the migration of young people

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ment each other given that both need sustained development in order to bring about the same quality of life. In some cases, he reported that vast areas of land were being used for non-rural needs leading to food shortages. He suggested thinking of ways on how to bring the Government to rural areas to retain the population.

Mr Hugh Bayley, MP, (United Kingdom) questioned whether the move to cities would be reversed because of rising food prices and fuel costs, and maintained that urban development plans had to support food affordability. Mr Bayley suggested job creation schemes, seeing as the population in towns could not all be employed through the public sector. With the private sector investing the largest share in agriculture, he warned that urban development relying on development from the top-down would not work.

Instead, he maintained that there had to be a link between the private sector and that of civil society plus an improvement on all three levels of governance.

Sen. Dr Kausar Firdaus (Pakistan) pointed out that considerable money was being spent on tertiary facilities based in the bigger cities rather than on basic health care and medical facilities. She maintained that medical students should be bound to practice in rural areas after attaining their degrees.

Hon. David Whitton, MP, (Scotland) spoke of Scotland’s decline in population. He said that urbanization had also brought problems, resulting in a need to improve transport to sustain development in the highlands to retain the population.

He stated that local farmers were complaining about the cost of fertilizer and cereal crops were being grown for fuel rather than food.

Hon. Amusaa Mwanamwambwa, MP, (Zambia) stated that in Zambia the problems in urban areas were well known, such as the lack of accommodation, water and sanitation. Through the various employment funds, the rural areas have been assisted in employment by providing rural education, developing tourism and agriculture.

Hon. Ramanathan R.

From left: Mr Markandey Rai, co-ordinator of Global Parliamentarians, UN Habitat; Workshop B Moderator Hon. Delroy Chuck, MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Jamaica, Rt Hon. Augustine Nwankwagu, MLA, of Ebonyi and Ms Karyn Paluzzano, MP, of New South Wales.

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from rural areas. He urged that unless infrastructure and benefits were improved in rural areas, there would be an insufficient number of people farming the land, ultimately fuelling the world’s food crisis.

Mr Ashok Bhatt, MLA, (Gujarat) stressed the connection of the quality of life between both rural and urban development. He reported that the Government, with the help of the World Bank, was adopting measures to halt the rural decline by the vital provision of transport, water and sanitation.

Sen. Bill Heffernan (Australia) agreed with the Indian delegates, that if you produced modern communication, transport, good health and education, as well as government creation of jobs in rural areas, people would stay put. He advocated the CPA form a task force to look at global displacement and the future food supply.

Hon. Nisar Khuhro, MPA, (Sindh) raised the possibility of the CPA endeavoring to persuade banks to take land as collateral for loans.

Hon. Rajkeswur Purryag, MP, (Mauritius) stated that both rural and urban areas needed to comple-

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Mr Michael Peart, MP, of Jamaica (left) and delegates at the workshop.

Radhakrishnan, MP, (Puducherry, India) voiced that it was essential to have better facilities in rural areas as the lack of accommodation and services were the main reasons for people to migrate. He added that sustainable development was for people who wanted development, as it was not a key priority in all countries. Mr Radhakrishnan stressed that equal distribution was the key forward to improving the situation.

However Dr A. Chakrapani, MLA, (Andhra Pradesh) said that despite improvements to villages’ drinking water and services in his state, migration was still occurring and was difficult to monitor.

Hon. Azzan Zungu, MP, (Tanzania) argued that all nations should put into effect their own strategies. Referring to his home country, he reported how Tanzania had reallocated resources for social needs, education and roads in rural areas, but were now facing problems of young people who did not want to be farmers.

Dr Raghuvir Singh Kadian, MLA, (Haryana, India) raised the point that the movement of unskilled labour to

urban areas was putting pressure on the system.

Mr Lindsay Hoyle, MP, (United Kingdom) acknowledged that for the first time in history there were now more people living in urban, rather than rural communities, and questioned how governments should manage it. She added that modern farming practices established in the developed world should be extended around the globe to ensure food growth as well as equal food distribution.

Hon. Barry Haase, MHR, (Australia) argued that the topic of the workshop should have addressed sustainability of the rural population, which in itself would solve many of the problems discussed.

Reinforcing Ms Hoyle’s point, he said that the solution was in the distribution of resources of nations over land mass areas, rather than population, but governments had simplified the provision of services through centralization and density of population.

Mr Haase highlighted that Australia had provided funding to rural communities, but this had

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diminished people’s personal satisfaction to be part of developing their community and being proud of it.

Tackling the issue in the U.K Mr Brian Binley, MP, (United Kingdom) spoke about three factors on how the U.K was dealing with problems of a post-industrial society.

They were: the movement – which had become fashionable – of the relatively wealthy to rural areas; the problem of exportation of semi and unskilled jobs and the importation of semi and unskilled labour for the service industry. Other problems that affected a society moving from rural to urban society included the upskilling in relation to emerging nations, the need to create value added jobs and the need to put more emphasis on local food production and improved transport.

Mr Michael Clapham, MP, (United Kingdom) asked whether a move to using more nuclear energy to sustain development would undermine stability by threatening the welfare of communities rather than promoting it.

Overseers book ad.qxp

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A CPA publication

Available to Members and Officials of the CPA for purchase from the CPA Secretariat, Suite 700, Westminster House, 7 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA, U.K. Tel.: (+44-20) 7799-1460 Fax: (+44-20) 7222-6073 E-mail: hq.sec@cpahq.org Also available to members of the public from booksellers.

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54th COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Workshop C - 7 August 2008

Credible elections for a more representative Parliament, free and fair participation, greater diversity and access to a free media Moderator: Hon E.M. Britto, MP (Gibraltar) Discussion Leaders: Hon. Request Muntanga, MP (Zambia) Hon.Tanka Bahadur Rai, MLA (Assam) Deputy Bob Hill, (Jersey) It was agreed that Parliamentarians had to be constantly active in promoting the conditions in which free and fair elections could flourish, and delegates looked at a wide range of methods that guaranteed that elections accurately reflected the will of the people.These methods ranged from strong electoral commissions and various codes of conduct to various proposals for diffusing power through coalition governments. All present agreed that a strong and

developed electoral infrastructure was the basis for credible elections and truly representative Parliaments.

Hon. Request Muntanga, MP, (Zambia) drew on the experiences of Zambia in order to stress the relevance of the principle of free and fair elections.The speaker reminded delegates that the ideal of democracy was anchored in Article 21(3) of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, specifically that “the will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government”. He stated that the will of the people was expressed by means of elections.

The function of elections themselves needed to be analyzed. Mr Muntanga identified four major functions; • the provision of a routine mechanism for the recruitment and selection of individuals to

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occupy seats in the representative institutions • the provision of opportunities to review the representatives’ record and assess their mandate • to accord the representative institutions domestic and international legitimacy • to act as agents of unity.

Mr Muntanga said that the choice of electoral system was crucial as it gave credibility to the electoral process and the acceptability of the outcome, for it was the system that determined who voted and how the votes were counted. Electoral systems could not be considered in isolation however and needed to be assessed in the context in which they were conceived.

Mr Muntanga went on to consider four principal electoral systems: the first past the post system; the single member majority system;

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Sen. Ahmed Ali of Pakistan (left) and Hon. Muhammad Aslam Bhootani, MPL, of Balochistan (centre) during the workshop.

Credible Elections

the proportional representation system and the mixed member proportionality system.

In southern Africa, Botswana, Malawi,Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe practiced the first past the post system while Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia practiced the proportional representation system.

The difficulty with the first past the post system was that it often led to a two party system that left smaller parties marginalized. On the other hand, the difficulty of proportional representation was that it provided little room for independent candidates and often produced weak or unstable coalitions.

Another important consideration for credible free and fair elections was the rule of law that was above the will of political leaders.

An essential element was access to a free media as this enabled the electorate to have a balanced choice between Government policies and opposition alternatives. It was regrettable that too often rights of access to a free media were often abused by governments, particularly in societies that were in transition.

Mr Muntanga said that this was nowhere more evident than in the recent run-off to presidential elections in Zimbabwe where even though the country’s electoral regulations provided for television and radio time, the Opposition suffered limited access and according to African Union observer missions, was blatantly and consistently biased towards the ruling party.

Citing the history of Zambia’s development as a parliamentary democracy to illustrate his point, he said that between 1973 and 1988, elections in Zambia were conducted under a One Party Constitution that only gave recognition to the United National Independence Party and fell short of the minimum acceptable standards for an inclusive and representative Parliament. Internal pressure headed by the Movement for Multi Party Democracy led to an amendment of the Constitution in 1990 and the restoration of multi party politics. One of the key elements used to strengthen the new multi party system was the creation in 2006 of the Electoral Commission of Zambia by means of

the issue of Statutory Instruments and an electoral code of conduct.

Mr Muntanga outlined that one of the problems in establishing credible elections was that often those involved in the process did not want to accept that power sharing negotiations subsequently had to take place. In conclusion he said that further levels of tolerance of contested views needed to be nurtured, that the political environment in which elections were conducted needed to be improved, but above all existing legal and institutional frameworks needed to work independently and impartially.

Hon. Bantu Holomisa MP, (South Africa) informed that the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa had recently hosted a conference for the African Continent that had addressed many of the issues raised by Mr Muntanga.

Hon. Bansa G. Chowdhury, MP, (India) said that India’s commitment to democracy was reflected in its non partisan electoral commission which was provide for by the constitution and was a healthy institution free from all external pressures.

Reflecting Mr Muntanga’s comments he said that the task of the forum was to provide an environment in which it was possible for every voter to participate. A carefully safeguarded democracy was the only system that could guarantee human rights and all of the civilised things that flowed from them.

Hon.Vincent Malebo, MP,

(Lesotho) agreed with the lead speaker that there needed to be a national will for elections to succeed and to ensure that they were arranged properly. In Lesotho’s case the correct environment for credible elections had not been achieved until 1998. In 1965 the country had acquired a Government that was elected by 40 per cent of the electorate while the remaining 60 per cent had sided with the Opposition. It was this state of affairs that led Lesotho to adopt a system of proportional representation that had worked well in the 2002 elections ensuring their credibility and effectiveness.

Sen. David Smith (Canada) felt that it was not possible for electoral traditions instantly to be manufactured and that these had to evolve over time. He added that this process was hampered by those politicians, who, once they had gained office believed to be there for life.This attitude had recently been encapsulated by a certain longstanding Head of State who had stated that “God had put him in office and only God could remove him”. He added that genuine freedom of the press was an essential component of a free will electoral system. A first past the post system was also helpful as countries where a proportional representation system operated often found themselves held to ransom by single issue, minority parties.

Sen. Smith added that by developing its monitoring activities there was a genuine role for the

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Commonwealth in strengthening free and fair elections internationally.

Hon.Tanka Bahadur Rai, MLA, (Assam) addressed the issue of electoral rolls pointing out that these could be vulnerable to fraudulent practices. He said that in 2004 the Indian electoral had digitized the electoral roll system to great effect and that voting now took place by means of photographic identity cards.

Codes of Conduct were issued to all candidates and legislatures by the Commission which also appointed observers to oversee elections. Mr Rai said that the Electoral Commission was the key to free and fair elections in India and a guarantor against the influence of Government in this sphere.

Rt Hon. Lord Foulkes (United Kingdom) agreed with previous speakers that a free media was essential to the electoral process but said that in Britain, the media often worked to undermine the credibility of politicians and that a free media needed to be combined with a responsible media. He added that it was also important for political systems to pay attention to the position of the leader of the opposition, to pay the holder of that post a salary and to treat it with respect. In this way the possibility of losing power and moving into Opposition was rendered less daunting.

Hon. Chief B.K. Kanagbaro, MP, (Sierra Leone) reminded members that without a proper infrastructure the question of which particular electoral system a country opted for was an academic one.

Deputy Bob Hill (Jersey) initiated a discussion on elections without political parties, using the Jersey system of Government as his model. He stated that this model ensured that all candidates and all voters were equal.

Deputy Hill said that Jersey had recently lowered its voting age to sixteen in an attempt to enhance the credibility of the electoral process but that he had some reservations as to the success of this measure. A more important issue for the island and parliamentary democracies at large was that of when a person should acquire the vote; should this be on entry into a jurisdiction or when they acquired citizenship? Deputy Hill said that if an individual was paying taxes then irrespective of whether they had citizenship or not, they should have the right to vote and not be subject, as they currently were in Jersey, to a qualifying period.

Sen. Smith intervened that citizenship must be the chief qualification for an entitlement to vote, as a certain amount of loyalty and commitment had to be presupposed before this right could be exercised.

Hon. Kenneth Marewe, MP,

(Kenya) elaborated Deputy Hill’s point saying that in order to increase the credibility of electoral systems it was necessary to move away from mechanisms that produced “winner takes it all” governments. It was better for parties to share power than to have failed states. Mr Marewe said that in this respect coalition governments provided a good alternative.

A closing intervention came from Hon. John Pandazopoulos, MP, (Australia) who returned to Sen. Smith’s earlier point and reminded delegates that the CPA Executive had discussed the observing process as part of the future challenge for the CPA.The CPA’s observing role was very limited at the moment and needed to be greatly expanded.The organization needed to develop itself so that it was up to the task of observing elections on a wide international basis and ensuring that free, fair and credible elections were more widespread than at present.

Hon. Ernest Britto, MP, (Gibraltar) summarized the discussion by saying that three important themes had emerged from the debate which were: that the will of the people was the basis of the authority to govern; that all voters were equal but needed to be given equal treatment and that all parliamentary candidates were equal but needed to be treated equally.

From left: Hon. Ernest Britto, MP, of Gibraltar; Hon. Request Muntanga, MP, of Zambia and Deputy Bob Hill of Jersey.

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54th COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Workshop D - 7 August 2008

Reforming the budget process: Parliamentary budget offices and effective parliamentary oversight Moderator – Mrs Clare Christian, (Isle of Man) Discussion leaders: Mr Joe Preston, MP (Canada) Hon. Eleny Charles Ojok, MP, (Uganda) Mr Mitchell O’Brien, Parliamentary Strengthening Programme,World Bank Institute

Parliamentarians agreed that their roles in setting the budget and its implementation had expanded, and that Parliaments needed an independent source of information to improve their participation in budget preparation.They noted that several nations had established Parliament Budget Offices to help them counter the information deficit between the executive and parliament. Some delegates said that the office had been created by bringing out suitable enactments, and agreed that it would provide transparency and accountability, enhance credibility as well as

improve the budget process.

Parliamentarians recommended that the office should be non-partisan, independent, objective and analytic, and further expressed that the core functions of the office should be put in law.The delegates felt that by sharing experiences, other nations could also create such offices based on their budget process.

Leading the discussion, Mr Joe Preston, MP, (Canada) raised that the public’s desire for elected officials to demonstrate accountability was not a new one. He explained that there was a growing need for governments to conduct their operations in the most openway possible. On 14 March 2008, he highlighted that Canada had appointed its first parliamentary budget officer and it was therefore perhaps too early for Canadian Parliamentarians to assess the effectiveness of this office in providing budgetary oversight. Mr Preston discussed the insights and experiences of the Canadian Parliament that were reflected in the development of the proposals that eventually culminated

in the creation of the position.

He elaborated that the task of forecasting Government revenues and expenses was complex in nature and was something that Canadian Parliamentarians had been trying to improve for several years. As for back as 1994, the Canadian Minister of Finance commissioned a professional audit firm to undertake an independent, external review of the Department of Finance’s forecasting performance. In 2004, the Canadian Finance Minister asked a former Chief Economist from the Bank of Montreal, Dr Tim O’Neill to look into the accuracy of the forecasting compiled by the Finance Department.The economist reported that in recent years larger than expected budget surpluses had hindered public and parliamentary debate over the main budgetary choices and undermined the credibility of the Department of Finance. Dr O’Neill, among his recommendations, proposed the creation of an agency within government with a mandate to focus on the medium-to-

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long term fiscal implications of structural and demographic factors.

Interest in an improved budgetary process was further expressed by the Conservative Party of Canada in its election platform for the January 2006 general election, with a promise to reform certain procedures in the area of political accountability.The Federal Accountability Act became law in December 2006 which amended the Parliament of Canada Act.These amendments established

by a Committee of the Senate or of the House of Commons including the Standing Committee on National Finance in the Senate, the Standing Committee on Finance in the House of Commons and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Estimating the financial costs of proposals introduced by a Member of either House (other than as a Minister of the Crown)

appropriate account of long term economic, demographic and social trends in its planning?

Allocative efficiency: Is the Government’s expenditure appropriately linked to stated policy priorities and results? Is new expenditure mindful of existing programs and performance?

Operational efficiency: Is the Government’s expenditures and execution based on sound busi

Discussion leaders at Workshop D. From l-r: Mrs Clare Christian, Hon. Eleny Charles Ojok, Mr Joe Preston and Mr Mitchell O’Brien.

the position of the Parliamentary Budget office, the holder of which is an officer of the Library of Parliament.

Mr Preston highlighted that the mandate of the Parliamentary budget office was outlined in the Federal Accountability Act containing three components:

Objective analysis to the Senate and the House of Commons about the trends in the economy, the state of the nation’s finances and the estimates of the Government.

Related research when requested

or by a Committee.

Quoting the first Canadian Parliamentary officer, Mr Page, Mr Preston said that the Parliamentary budget office would operate on the basis of the best practice principles of a budget office, including providing value added analysis in support of the following:

Aggregate fiscal discipline: Did the Government’s economic and fiscal projections appropriately take into account the existing risks and fall within a reasonable range? Did the Government take

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ness cases that reflect due diligence and best value-for money relative to best practices, TB policies and the Government’s own assertions?

As Canadian Parliamentarians sought to move forward with the concept of a Parliamentary Budget Office, Mr Preston said that other countries had also looked into a similar model. Countries like the U.S, South Korea and the U.K operated independent budget offices that provided their elected representatives with a support and oversight role that Canada was looking for. Some of the

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The Ugandan experience Hon. Oleny Charles Ojok, MP, (Uganda) spoke about the experience of his country in the establishment of the parliamentary budget office and parliamentary budget committee.

Talking about the evolution of budgetary reforms in Uganda, he said that the budgetary reforms started with a change in legislation, where the budget process in Uganda was regulated by a legal framework comprising the following laws:

Constitution of Uganda of 1995 as amended in 2006; Budget Act 2001 Public Finance and Accountability Act 2003.

Other laws and regulation which provide mandates for economic activities.

Under the Budget Act 2001, the budget was taken into various phases: the preparatory stage, approval, implementation and the evaluation stage.

The Public Finance and Accountability Act dealt with issues of general control, management of public finance, the raising of revenue in the country, loans, and how they were guaranteed by the Government with the approval of Parliament. It also dealt with the audit and preparation of Government accounts, public enterprises and organizations.The local bodies also played a role in the national budgetary forming process.

Mr Ojok then explained the role and functions of the parliamentary budget office and budget committee in the budget process. He said that the Budget Committee focused on the preliminary estimates and the macroeconomic plan and programmes, and submitted its recommendations to the Speaker.The parliamentary budget office then scrutinized the national budget, compiled amendments and referred them to the relevant sessional committees.

The key role of the parliamentary budget office was budget analysis.The

budget process involved rigorous engagement during conception, preparation, approval, execution and accountability.The budget analysis broadly referred to: Carrying out a comprehensive and systematic assessment of the budget; and

Examining the extent to which the revenue and expenditure tar gets meet the set national objectives.

Mr Ojok opined that Parliamentarians were sometimes not well equipped with the skills to do the task themselves.To stand in elections for the Parliament in Uganda, Ministers had to have an HSC qualification, and pressing time constraints meant that politicians required a body of resident economic and budget experts to support Parliament and its committees with the task. He then briefed delegates on the nature of advice tendered by the Parliamentary Budget Office. He said:

The analysis and advice offered by the parliamentary budget office is objective and impartial.

The technical content of the advice is not influenced. Any committee chairperson or Member of Parliament may put a request for analysis or advice directly to the Director of parliamentary budget office.

Mr Ojok explained that in Uganda, the budget officer was currently deployed to each sessional committee to support work of the committees, but due to a staff shortage, some officers were serving on more than one committee.While the parliamentary budget office did not manage the budget of the Parliamentary Commission, it did assist Members to analyze the resource side of the budget, which was governed by the main objective of mobilizing funds for meeting public expenditure.These resources included taxes, non-tax revenues, local borrowing from both bank and non-bank sources and external resources.The parliamentary budget office also assisted Parliament to balance the competing objectives of the resource mobilization in order to achieve efficiency and effectiveness. It also contributed in analyzing expen

diture and the process of macro analysis so as to keep the inflation low and stable, as well as low and stable interest rates to promote investment and stable exchange rates to promote exports.

He summarized the key functions of the parliamentary budget office in Uganda as: Providing an up-to-date budget related information to all committees in relation to their jurisdiction

Submitting reports on, but not limited to – economic forecasts, budget projections and options for reducing the budget deficit

Identifying and recommending on Bills that provide an increase or decrease in revenue and the Budget

Preparing analytical studies of specific subjects such as financial risks posed by government sponsored enterprises and financial policy; and

Giving technical advice to Parliament and Committees on the economy and Budget.

Mr Ojok concluded that the parliamentary budget office was a welcome innovation and useful institution, and though it still faced challenges, it served as a model for many Parliaments where they could make their systems better by addressing challenges and taking advantage of new opportunities.

Growing role of Parliament Mr Mitchell O’Brien from the World Bank Institute (WBI) explained that the WBI was the capacity development arm of the World Bank which helped countries share and apply global and local knowledge to meet development challenges, and also to build capacity for development in response to country specific needs by providing learning programmes and policy advice.The WBI also helped clients apply knowledge to developmental challenges, including strengthening institutions, such as Parliaments, which played a vital part in the development process.

Over the last one or two decades, there had been a resurgence of Parliaments around the world.Taking the example of African countries gaining independence in the early

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lessons learnt from the U.S were that the Office should be independent, non-political, objective and have access to an executive branch. He also pointed out that parliamentary budget offices’ operations emanated from different parliamentary traditions.

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1960s, he stressed that good governance required Parliaments’ participation, and referred to the consolidation of executive power (de facto one party states) during the 1970s-1980s, restoration of multi party systems in 1990s, and more assertive, powerful Legislatures emerging from the late 1990s to present.This was however not just confined to Africa; other world Parliaments had also come to play a role in the process of good governance and development.

He added that some nations’ Legislatures had also expanded their roles not only in setting the budget but also in overseeing its implementation.

He reported that there had been a growing participation in the budget process both in the presidential and parliamentary System.The growing tendency to establish a Legislative Budget office was not for the Parliament to have an upper hand but to have a better understanding of the budget process and open discussion.

He cited examples of established parliamentary budget offices, which included the U.S in 1974, the Philippines in 1990 and Mexico in 1998. Referring to the recently

established Canadian office, he said it:

simplified complexity promoted transparency enhanced credibility promoted accountability improved budget processes served both majority & minority provided rapid responses

Mr O’ Brien pointed out that the core functions of the parliamentary budget office were economic forecasts, baseline estimates, analysis of the executive budget and medium term analysis.

Mr. O’ Brien concluded his presentation by saying that Parliaments needed an independent source of information to improve their participation in budget preparation, and a non-partisan, independent, objective, analytic unit could provide information to improve parliament’s participation in the budget process.

Successful creation of such a unit was not easy however, but required resources and bi-partisan political will. Canada was an example that it could be done. He suggested to start the office small and to ensure the

design of the office was based on one’s budget process.

Hon. Alva R. Baptiste, MP, (Saint Lucia) said that budgets were drafted on a yearly basis and very little was achieved at the end of fiscal year. He therefore questioned whether it would be necessary to plan over a longer period. Discussion leaders explained that the budget office could also provide medium term analysis.

A South African Member indicated that the budget was an instrument of ruling political party and therefore could not be impartial. He argued that Parliament should have the ability to amend the budget, and pointed out that in South Africa the auditor general did the performance budgeting and therefore wanted to know whether the setting up of a parliamentary budget office would not be duplication. Discussion leaders explained that the budget office had to provide information to the parliamentary committees and also to the opposition parties.

Mr Ojok explained that though preparation of budget was the role of the executive, the function of Parliament was to analyze and recom-

Hon. Rosemarie Seninde, MP, of Uganda (left) and Hon. Doreen Senokoanyane, MP, of Gauteng.

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Hon. Keith Flax, MHA, of the British Virgin Islands.

Finance Minister had to compile the Parliament quarterly reports on the implementation of budget, so that Parliament could oversee successful spending.

A delegate from Jamaica asked how Parliament could be responsible for the budget prepared by the executive. He was also of the view that Central Bank and the Planning Authority could do the work of budget office.

Discussion leaders explained that utilizing the parliamentary budget office did not preclude the work of parliamentary committees.The information available with the budget office may be used by Parliamentarians who may be sitting in the Committees.

Parliament could not delegate policymaking to other institutes.As the Parliamentary budget office was created under a mandate, it could function more efficiently.

Mr Baptiste pointed out that once the budget was actually formulated it was very difficult to change it. He wanted to know how it could be reduced in a sustainable manner. He also pointed out that mostly deficit budgets had been presented.While education was heavily subsidised in Saint Lucia, educated people migrated to developed countries. However he accepted that there was remittance from overseas. Mr Ojok replied that deficit budgets were a matter of concern. He said that in Uganda, higher education was privatized to reduce government costs.

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mend modification needed. He also pointed out that auditing was done on completion of the fiscal year whereas the budget office could do medium term analysis.

Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, MP, (Nigeria) informed that his country was to establish a parliamentary budget office, to which discussion leaders advised that it should be under a law and with the necessary legislation passed.They also explained that the parliamentary budget office was not a substitute to the budget committee but a way of supporting Parliament.

Hon. Prince Guduza Dia (Swaziland) was doubtful whether Parliament budget committees and Parliament budget offices were not parallel institutes, and he also wanted to know how parliament would oversee the implementation of the budget.

Leaders answered that though the preparation of budget was the work of the executive, parliament could not escape from the responsibility of the outcome of either a good or bad budget.The Budget office would also provide information to the budget committee.

Mr Elvis Harrigan (British Virgin Islands) wanted to know whether independent budget offices could work in small states. He also wanted to know whether there was any software for budgetary processing. Mr Ojok replied that in Uganda the

Hon. Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaffar, MP, (Malaysia) informed that the Malaysian Parliament did not have a budget office. He also said that the budget making process in Malaysia was complex as besides annual budgeting they were also planning for five, 10 and 30 years. He wanted to draw on the experience of Uganda and Canada in parliamentary oversight on the spending by executive.

Discussion leaders explained that the parliamentary budget office would get information from the Finance Minister and see whether objectives had been met and how money was spent. In Uganda, the Planning Authority was involved in planning and the budget making process.The Budget office helps in analysis and also advises the Parliament Committees.

Mr Lucas Chepkitony, MP, (Kenya) informed that Kenya was to pass a Bill for the creation of a fiscal analysis office.

Hon. Monjowa Lifaka Emilia, MP, (Cameroon) felt there would be a conflict of interest. She said that they had a budget committee in Cameroon which had an office. She wanted to know what the position of its officers was when a budget office was created. She also pointed out that the budget was formulated in different ministries which had experts in their field, which made her sceptical whether the office would have all these technical experts to analyze.

Mr Ojok explained that in Uganda, the employees of the office were not Members of Parliament but professionals that were recruited directly.

To enhance the performance of parliamentary oversight, accurate and complete information was necessary and the budget office could provide such information. In Canada, the budget office was also a research office that collected information on various topics.

Ms Tatu Ntimizi, MP (Tanzania), wanted to know what the CPA would do for countries that had not yet created parliamentary budget offices. It was explained that Members could look on the website or contact the CPA headquarters for more information.

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54th COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Workshop E - 8 August 2008

Collaboration among large and small states through international organizations to respond to climate change Moderator: Hon. Richard Torbay (New South Wales) Discussion Leaders: Hon. Palusalue Faapo II, MP, (Samoa) Mr Nigel Evans, MP, (United Kingdom) Ms Janet Strachan (Economic Affairs Division, Commonwealth Secretariat)

There was a general agreement amongst the Parliamentarians present that as climate change is a global concern, solutions to combat its impact can only be achieved through international co-operation between all states, large and small. MPs also shared the view that although enough had been said on its detri-

mental effects, especially to small island states, little had been done about it. It was widely agreed therefore that immediate actions be taken with MPs proposing the establishment of a Task Force to formulate actions to combat the impacts of climate change. A few reservations on the set up of such a Task Force, such as its cost implications and mandate to deal with governmental policy issues were highlighted, but at the close of the discussion, the establishment of such a Task Force was unanimously supported.The resolution adopted was the endorsement of a recommendation, that the Executive Committee is requested to consider the establishment of a Task Force on the role of legislators to combat climate change.

Hon. Palusalue Faapo II, MP, (Samoa) opened the discussion by

196 The Parliamentarian 2008/Issue Three

describing his country’s response to climate change. He described that Samoa – being a small island state in the Pacific – was highly vulnerable to the impact of climate change, but in response to the threat posed, his country undertook several measures both at the international and national level to address the issue.These included:

Limited technical knowledge and skills

Insufficient financial support and

Limited resources to implement appropriate measures such as health programmes.

Despite these efforts however, a number of handicaps have still hindered development. Mr Faapo said that they required the assistance of large developed states through international organizations, as without them, the efforts of small countries to

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Discussion leaders from left: Mr Nigel Evans, Hon. Palusalue Faapo II, MP of Samoa; Ms Janet Strachan and moderator of Workshop E, Hon. Richard Torbay of New South Wales.

Collaborating on Climate Change

combat and mitigate the effects of climate change would be unfruitful.

Hon. Prahlad Dora, MP, (India) concurred that climate change was a global issue that required international co-operation and the CPA could provide a voice for its small nation members to be heard.

The Sen. Hon. Bill Heffernan (New South Wales) pointed out that endless talks on climate change were ongoing but nothing had been done about it. Small nations were going to be destroyed and their population displaced yet no action had been taken. He argued that it was time that action was taken to help small nations and he proposed that the workshop come up with a resolution to set up a Task Force to carry out the immediate necessary actions.

Mr Ernest Britto, MP, (Gibraltar) and Hon. B. Holomisa, MP, (South Africa) shared Mr Heffernan’s concerns that not enough was being done to tackle climate change. He said that the CPA was a large collective muscle which could be utilized to achieve meaningful actions and to this end he supported the proposal for the establishment of a Task Force to initiate meaningful actions to combat the impacts of climate change.

Hon. B.M Lanong, MLA, (India), agreed that the response to the impacts of climate change would be more effective if there was collabora-

tion between all states, and consequently supported the proposal for the set up of a Task Force to finding a solution to combating the impacts of climate change.

Hon. Nigel Evans, MP, (United Kingdom) praised the Bali Convention 2007 as one of the measures which has enhanced international co-operation in combating climate change. He added however that this was not enough and more action was needed to address the issue. Mr Evans said that developed and developing countries had an enormous task in tackling climate change and the U.S not signing the Kyoto protocol greatly hindered development. He described how in the U.K, parliamentary committees had been set up to resolve issues of climate change and other parliamentary avenues, such as parliamentary questions and debates, all of which have the effect of pushing the climate change agenda on the floor of Parliament.

Hon. Rajkeswur Purryag, MP, (Mauritius) stated that although Mauritius was a small nation, it was doing its best to mitigate the impacts of climate change and urged his Parliamentarian colleagues to compel the United States to adhere to climate change protocols.

Hon. David Carty, MP, (Anguilla) was also irked by the U.S on climate change, seeing as they were one of the main contributors to global

warming. He added that small countries which had nothing to do with its cause in the first place, found themselves spending a lot of money to combat the impacts.To this end he added that there was a need for collaboration on financial assistance to small countries to assist them in their cause.

International co-operation Ms Janet Strachan (Commonwealth Secretariat) emphasized the need for international co-operation in the sense that the atmosphere and the world’s regulating functions are a commonly shared resource that all countries benefit from and depend on. She argued that the continuation of business-as-usual approach in greenhouse gas emissions would result in a mean temperature increase of 3-5 degree celsius – equivalent to the temperature difference between the last ice age and the our present time, a temperature increase that would result in dangerous climate change impacts that we may well not be able to cope with.

She also added that it was in our common interest to keep within a global emission budget. In dealing with climate change by large and small states, she identified two potential areas of co-operation that could help forge a breakthrough.

They included:

Shared long term vision, includ

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ing a long term emission reduc tion goal as emphasized in the Bali Convention, and

Creating a low carbon World economy She informed delegates that the Commonwealth had already made a valuable contribution towards the development of a common international vision on climate change as agreed to in the last Commonwealth Heads of Government held in Uganda in 2007.The Lake Victoria Commonwealth Change Action Plan portrays the statement of political will at the highest level towards collective action on climate change as well as setting out a framework for practical co-operative actions.

The Commonwealth Secretariat on the other hand is working closely with the Alliance of Small Island States to help this group of highly vulnerable countries elaborate their concerns and bring these to the negotiation table. She emphasized that the success in tackling climate change relied heavily on a rapid move towards a low-carbon world economy and the role played by international institutions in forging political will and delivering energy for sustainable development was crucial to a long term success.

Commonwealth Parliamentarians also had an important role to play in ensuring that the needs of their vulnerable developing countries coun-

terparts were highlighted and addressed.

Dr. Kapila Vatsayam (India) concurred with Ms Strachan’s view that collaboration between large and small states on equal terms was necessary in dealing with climate change, which she referred to as an ecological imbalance in the atmospheric sphere created by man.

Hon. Richard Cockwell, MLC, (Falkland Island) highlighted his country’s contributions towards climate change where they had focused on reducing carbon emissions and expenditure through the reuse of exhaust heat for heating and a wind farm power system. On the other hand he argued that not enough had been done and urged both the Commonwealth Head of Governments and the CPA to do more, by forming a committee to find ways to resolve climate change related issues.

Ms Irene Mathyssen, MP, (Canada) highlighted the opposition initiative towards climate change in developing a Bill in setting greenhouse gas emission targets. She also urged her Parliamentarian counterparts in the CPA to influence large nations to adhere to lower greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt low carbon economies.

Mr Hugh Bayley, MP, (United Kingdom), said that like Canada, the U.K was in the process of introduc-

Hon. Richard Cockwell, MLC, of the Falkland Islands.

198 The Parliamentarian 2008/Issue Three

ing a Bill that would push the reduction of carbon emission by 60 per cent and he urged other large developed countries to follow suit.

Shri Sachin Pilot, MP, (India), emphasized that the sea level rise caused by climate change was a reality and India like small island states was also affected in that some of its territories consisted of low islands and were vulnerable to sea level rise.

Hon. Elvis Harrigan, MP, (British Virgin Islands) questioned the U.K’s failure in providing financial assistance to its territories in combating the impacts of climate change.

Deputy Bob Hill (Jersey) agreed that climate change was a global issue needing global co-operation to minimize its impacts.

Mr Lindsay Hoyle, MP, (United Kingdom) pointed out however that the current course of climate change would remain unless the big polluters, such as India and China adopted a greenhouse friendly technology.

It was therefore vital that governments worked together and shared its greenhouse friendly technology to these countries.

At the close of the debate, there was a common agreement that immediate action be taken to combat the impacts of climate change through the formation of a Task Force and the subsequent proposal for the establishment of such a Task Force was unanimously supported.

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54th COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Workshop F - 8 August 2008

Parliament and the civil society engagement for better policy-making Moderator: Hon. Fatoumata JajumpaCeesay, MP, (The Gambia) Discussion Leaders: Hon. Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, MP, (Malaysia) Hon. Dr Fehmida Mirza, MNA, (Pakistan)

There was a general consensus among Parliamentarians, who shared the view that the engagement between Parliaments and civil society was a democratic norm which had to be encouraged by all nations.

It was recognized that democratic governance could mainly be achieved and promoted if Parliamentarians engaged all interest groups of civil society in the legislative process in order to discuss the best policies that benefited people in both rural and urban areas. As Hon. Fatoumata Jajumpa-Ceesay, MP, (The Gambia) explained the complexity of these relationships, Members of Parliament expressed diverse views on how these relationships could produce better policy-making mechanisms.

Parliamentarians fervently expressed

the need for Parliaments to engage civil society in the planning of better policies, given how civil society provided ground support in the implementation of Government policies such as the alleviation of poverty, improvement of public infrastructures and the observance of fundamental human rights related to the rule of law, freedom of movement, speech and association. At the close of the

debate, it was acknowledged that the promotion of better relations between Parliamentarians and civil society was inevitable as both had the same interests.

Hon. Dr Fehmida Mirza, MNA, Speaker of the National Assembly, (Pakistan) explained that Parliaments and civil society were both expected to be representatives in their own rights. She pointed out that while

One of the discussion leaders, Hon. Dr Fehmida Mirza, MNA.

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Parliaments signified the free will of its electorate and the aspirations of its political power, civil society on the other hand expressed the basic thought, perceptions and needs of a given society which it claimed through the use of social power.The two complemented one another, by civil society’s engagement with Parliament in making effective policies while parliamentary democracy created an enabling environment for civil society actors through enabling legislation.

Citing a definition made by former Pakistani Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, Ms Mirza defined civil society as a concept intrinsically linked to a strong democratization tradition of a plural society in which non-governmental groups collectively formed the foundations of democracy in theory and practice, and brought to the surface the core issues and signified the ground realities. She also pointed out that these groups acted as vanguards of political reform and the demands for governmental transparency. Ms Mirza ended her talk by citing the heroic struggles of the South African and Pakistani people against apartheid and authoritarianism as having been conquered through a combined effort of the demands for parliamentary democracy and civil society rights.

On the other hand, Hon. Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar,

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (Malaysia), explained that the level of engagement between Parliaments and the civil society should always be questioned as there were always certain segments of people that remained trapped in the past either because of poverty, isolation, deprivation, subjugation, cultural suppression or religious prohibition who were ultimately left out of the engagement by both civil society and Parliamentarians.

If therefore, engagement between Parliamentarians and the civil society was to be useful in the making of better policies, he pressed for a need for these two groups to take into consideration the interests of the marginalized people.

Hon. Avudaiappan, MP, (Tamil Nadu), Hon. Request Muntanga, MP, (Zambia) and Dr Ellen Theocharous (Cyprus) urged those countries which had not yet adopted a legal framework for the voluntary sector to now do so.This could be achieved by enhancing collaboration with civil society through established mechanisms of dialogue such as petitions and other methods of parliamentary oversight, which would permit nongovernmental organizations (NGO) to express the opinions for the people that are directly affected, at an international level.

Dr Theocharous further expressed that pertinent legislation should be

Hon. Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, MP, of Malaysia.

200 The Parliamentarian 2008/Issue Three

adopted by the CPA member countries, to prevent some reactionary international and local NGOs from exploiting the functions of democracy in order to advocate the ideas and dogmas which in fact undermined democratic values.

However, Hon. Ishwardas Rohani, MLA, (India) raised the point of the need to embrace organizations that promoted democratic values and progressive policies. He continued that it was important for Parliamentarians to engage them in the decision-making process through public hearing, participation and dialogue.This method of engagement would not only improve the delivery of services but would also result in Government resources being accounted for.

Sen. the Hon. Dr Kauser Firdaus (Pakistan) expressed that civil society should help and engage Parliamentarians through various methods such as interactions through seminars and the circulation of specialized research on legislation that was due to be tabled before the House. She argued that this would produce policies that truly represented the views of the people and their implementation would benefit the intended targets. She further explained that once these policies were supported by budgetary provisions, these governments would see the benefits of maintaining a positive relationship between Parliamentarians, the Executive and civil society.

Hon. Mahmoud Kombo, MP, (Zanzibar), acknowledged the credible contribution made by the speakers on the need for positive engagement between Parliaments and civil society. He then requested the workshop and the conference to adopt resolutions that would see the practical implementation of these engagements among member countries.

In closing, the delegates unanimously agreed that in a democratic state, there would be no meaningful democracy without the positive engagement of civil society.Where this relationship was non-existent, it was pertinent that member countries provided an enabling environment in which legislation that legalized the existence of civil society and its attendant rights and freedom was put in place.

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54th COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Workshop G - 8 August 2008

The role of Parliament in conflict prevention and resolution Moderator: Hon. Beatrice Shelukindo, MP, (Tanzania) Discussion Leaders: Mr Declan O’Loan, MLA, (Northern Ireland) Hon. Nick Peniai, MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives (Bougainville) Hon. David Musila, MP, (Kenya) Mr Mitchell O’Brien, Parliamentary Strengthening Programme, World Bank Institute Ms Salome Katia,The Great Lakes Parliamentary Forum of Peace – AMANI Forum

Workshop G discussed the causes and changing nature of conflict, the affect it had on the work of Parliamentarians and how the evidence gathered could be used to avoid conflict and respond swiftly should it arise in the future. The relative stability of the CPA countries represented at the workshop did not deter from the fact that many of their Parliaments faced growing

expectations from society to resolve important issues and meet increasingly higher community expectations. Left unresolved or ignored, many of these issues had the ability to destabilize governments, undermine efforts to promote reconciliation, reconstruction and resolution and in turn create an environment that fostered unrest and violence that could last for decades.

Initiating the discussion Mr. Declan O’Loan, MLA, (Northern Ireland) pointed out how historically based injustices could not be resolved overnight. Citing the case of Northern Ireland, despite its ties with one of the oldest and most stable democracies in the world, the United Kingdom, the parliamentary system did not prevent or rapidly solve a conflict that had been building up for half a century, which eventually led to 30 years of violence and unrest.

Mr. O’Loan suggested that a Parliament dominated by one side that ignored the needs of the minority was not sustainable in the long term, even if that long term

was over many years. With Northern Ireland, it took the combined efforts of the British and Irish governments with the support of the international community – most notably the U.S – to bring the adversaries together to commence dialogue. He argued that dialogue had to be creative, and powerful feelings could be vented, provided they did not spill over into provocation of violent behaviour amongst communities represented by politicians and Parliamentarians.

Parliament, he said, would only work if there was a real and meaningful partnership. Referring to the case of the Good Friday Agreement and the subsequent St. Andrews Agreement in Northern Ireland, Mr O’Loan highlighted how this provided a firm basis to allow a working Assembly to be established. The content of these documents that included plans for the release of prisoners, the decommissioning of weapons by paramilitary groups and a review of policing, involved difficult and protracted but necessary negotiation, resulting in the estab-

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From left: Hon. Beatrice Shelukindo, MP, of Tanzania; Mr Declan O’Loan, MLA, of Northern Ireland, and Hon. David Musila, MP, of Kenya.

lishment of a new Northern Ireland Assembly in May 2007. One year on Mr O’Loan concluded that it remained to be seen how long the new Assembly could be sustained, as it was faced with difficult challenges and community expectations that could not be put off indefinitely.

Mr David Musila, MBS, MP, (Kenya) outlined some of the most common causes of conflict faced by Parliaments. These included ethnic inequality, historical injustices, rights issues, election manipulation and use of provocative language by leaders.

Parliament provided the most important forum for dealing effectively with conflict and in doing so, it was necessary to protect its own procedural environment for the expression of views and the development of policy based on peaceful mechanisms. MPs had a responsibility not to incite people to act unlawfully, and in delivery terms, formulate policies that were meaningful and responsive to real needs, for example, fair job distribution, infrastructure development and equal opportunities.

Mr Musila suggested that an ‘enabling’ parliamentary environment was far more likely to be suc-

cessful and provide the vital link between those governing and those being governed. Legislation and the institutions necessary to carry out the functions of the legislation were a vital component in managing post conflict situations.

The third discussion leader, Mr Mitchell O’Brien from the Parliamentary Strengthening Programme,World Bank Institute, highlighted the scale of conflict faced

by Parliaments across the globe, with 31 out of 161 countries surveyed at risk of violence.

It was important to recognize that violence was often the outcome of a conflict situation, but by making a clear distinction between the two, Parliaments could introduce policies that removed the risk of escalation. Even when issues had been resolved, evidence pointed to a high incidence of falling back into conflict early on either because the positive development indicators expected in post-conflict situations did not materialize, or Parliaments had not carefully managed their own and their communities’ expectations.

Mr Nick Peniai, MP, (Papua New Guinea) described how

202 The Parliamentarian 2008/Issue Three

Parliaments could resolve an irreconcilable situation and how legislation could be used to prevent conflict returning. He suggested that on occasion, the desultory connivance of politicians with vested interest may have created situations where decisions were made and were adverse to internal peace and stability. Mr Peniai drew delegates’ attention to what he saw as the most important mechanisms used to resolve the conflict in Bougainville.

These were: •

•

•

•

Legislation: marshalling the resources of the state to focus on the critical elements of the conflict; Political and Administrative Regime: re-organize structures to meet the needs of the citizen; Creation of synergies: for effective delivery of goods and services, and; Innovation: Removal of taboos and restrictions that restrict reconciliation without infringing human rights.

Commonwealth examples A delegate from Northern Ireland emphasized the need for external

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influences to carefully consider the range of intervention and assistance they provided in situations of conflict, given that the response of sending in a stronger military presence to stabilize situations could have longer term adverse effects.

Use of this type of resource, he suggested, should be carefully considered, as often the intervention of other Parliaments or agencies such as the UN could be more appropriate. Hon. Beatrice Shelukindo, MP, (Tanzania) also drew attention to the benefits that external bodies could bring. She argued that it was however better to invite external agencies to help resolve internal conflicts. The input of the African Union was noted in this regard. Ms

Hon. David Musila, MP, of Kenya.

Shelukindo posed the question about what the CPA itself could do to promote peaceful resolutions and promote dialogue.

Offering a solution Hon. Teng Chang Khim, MP, (Malaysia) said that Parliaments needed to ensure their procedures and practices were conducive to avoid conflict. This could be achieved by allowing freedom for individual MPs, appropriate use of whips and the activation of parliamentary committees. This was further emphasized by Sen. the Hon.Dato Dr.Vijayaratnam, MP, (Malaysia) who pointed out that conflict and war were often the failure of Parliaments and that it was important to recognize the catalyst role parliaments played in maintaining stability. He added that a ‘give and take’ philosophy be adopted and the myriad of ethnic groups and people equally represented.

Shri K. Rahman Khan, MP, (India) stated that Parliaments had to concentrate their main efforts on preventing conflict. It was essential to recognize that societies were multicultural, multi-racial, and multi-linguistic, as conflict would arise if certain groups felt discriminated against. Parliaments could do more to resolve such diversity issues that arose, for example, through close scrutiny of their respective executives.

Hon. Paramount Chief

Hon. K. Rahman Khan, MP, of India.

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Hon. Beatrice Shelukindo, MP, of Tanzania.

Kanagbaro, MP, (Sierra Leone) drew delegates’ attention to the specific conflict issues faced in Africa and the third world. He suggested that many of these conflicts were rooted in the political and economic interests of world powers including their Parliaments. Suppliers of weapons were an example of this along with stringent trade barriers that made it difficult for such nations to compete and develop their economies.

Whilst the Parliaments themselves could pass laws to overcome such problems, it was international community intervention that had the potential to make the Parliament’s laws ineffective.

Ms Mildred Oliphant, MP, (South Africa) drew delegates’ attention to the role of Parliaments in the development of outreach and engagement policies, not only to ensure full public participation but also that such policies helped Parliaments concentrate on legislation and how to best manage a country’s resources for the benefit of its people. On a separate note she emphasized that it was important for resources to stay within countries and that Parliaments should perhaps play a more active role when Government departments were involved in negotiating with investors. This in turn would help remove some of the potential causes of conflict.

Mr Aristophanes Georgiou, MP, (Cyprus) stated that the root causes of conflict were multi-dimensional in nature and that the surest way of

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Delegates in attendance at Workshop G.

preventing the various causes were by restoring trust and peace through the continued devolvement of democracy and human rights.

Practical measures included the establishment of standing mechanisms at an international level for conflict prevention and resolution, inter-governmental dialogue and exchange, promoting sustainable reconciliation processes, dealing with the debt burden in developing countries and the provision of technical assistance and expertise to conflict affected areas.

Efforts should be targeted in areas like Africa where slow yet fragile progress was a fertile breeding ground for instability.

Hon. Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan, MP, (Pakistan) highlighted the current potential for conflict in Pakistan. Some of this he attributed to the willingness of the international community to support a particular aspect of the current regime, allowing visits to give credibility to the situation. More specifically he drew delegates’ attention to the Kashmir problem where despite the intervention of the UN and protracted dialogue between relevant interests, a resolution of the longrunning conflict had not been found. He suggested that an interna-

tional arbitration agenda would help resolve such difficulties and drew a comparison with the post 9/11 war on terrorism, suggesting that this was a diversion from the real problems that existed in world conflict situations.

Sharing the knowledge Dr Raphael Chegeni, MP, (Tanzania) described how his country had used its stability in the region to help neighbouring countries. He asked how the mechanisms could be utilized to allow Parliamentarians to become involved – in a sensitive way – in offering external help. This could be undermined at times by a lack of continuity as Parliamentarian turnover was often very high. Perhaps sustainable programmes/seminars could help alleviate some of this risk.

Hon. Roy Boudreau, MP (Canada), urged Parliamentarians to consider the impact of their policies on society as a whole and not just focus on the issues of the day.

Educating young people had a key role to play in changing the current mindsets, and the promotion and teaching of tolerance could steer society away from the notion that violence was acceptable in any shape or form. He stressed that

204 The Parliamentarian 2008/Issue Three

Parliamentarians had to accept responsibility for their own actions.

Showing hatred or open hostility to fellow Parliamentarians sent out the wrong message.

Mr Charles Ojok, MP, (Uganda) suggested that efforts to resolve conflict should not be wasted on systematic effects, but rather be focused on the route cause. All Parliaments should value good governance in the wider perspective of effective democracy and that simply bringing groups together was not likely to be effective.

Commonwealth countries had to be serious about the development of free trade and Mr Ojok called on the ‘first world’ to deal with environmentally-based conflict given the positive affect this could have on local communities.

In response to many of the issues raised by delegates, the SecretaryGeneral of the CPA, Dr William F. Shija, rounded off the session by outlining the CPA’s parliamentary capacity building efforts that had taken place throughout the year. In addition the many programmes organized by the CPA were based upon Members’ needs, but that the partnership and involvement of all members of the CPA was a key ingredient to ensure success.

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54th COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Workshop H - 8 August 2008

Mechanisms to ensure adequate recognition of women’s issues in budgetary processes

Moderator: Hon. Dato’ Dr Ng Yen Yen, MP (Malaysia) Discussion Leaders: Hon. Kumari Selja, MP (India) Sen. the Hon. Dr Rosemarie Husbands-Mathurin (St Lucia) Hon. Lindiwe Maseko, MPL (South Africa)

Delegates present at the workshop welcomed the focus on the topic as a timely and important step towards ensuring gender equality. They also lauded the workshop as an opportunity for sharing ideas and updating colleagues that enabled Members to learn about best practice from coun-

tries such as Australia, Canada, South Africa and the U.K, that had achieved significant steps in gender budgeting.

There was a shared consensus that efforts had to be made to provide an institutionalized framework for the gender issue as a whole, with the CPA having an integral role, by firstly providing funds for CWP programmes from the organization’s budget; and secondly, by assisting countries in identifying methodologies and strategies for developing gender budgets.

In many countries, there was a lack of political will particularly with regard to women’s issues. In carrying out its oversight function

of ensuring that the budget addressed the nation’s priorities, Parliament had a critical role in ensuring that women’s issues were given adequate attention. While most persons felt that female Parliamentarians should lead the charge in safeguarding the interests of women, at least one participant was of the view that male Parliamentarians were equally responsible.

There was general agreement that gender budgets were imperative in achieving gender equality in the allocation of resources. However, some participants issued a caution against the use of terminology that might convey the impression that

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the budget catered solely to women, rather than benefitting the entire community.

Therefore, strategies employed in gender budgeting had to demonstrate this fact. For gender budgets to be credible and effective, gender analyses were considered an essential component of the budget process.They were conducted by assessing the economic situation of men and women by sector, and allocating resources accordingly. Gender analyses had to work in conjunction with gender audits and ongoing monitoring and evaluation to provide for transparency and accountability.

Delegates were unanimous in the view that public education was necessary to sensitize the entire population on gender issues.

Women had to be involved in the process along with the support of women’s organizations, community groups, trade unions, NGOs, Ministers and permanent secretaries and other interest groups.The message had to reach everyone, in particular, men and rural and uneducated women.

The budget and equal rights In her opening remarks, Hon. Dato’ Dr Ng Yen Yen, MP, (Malaysia) outlined that the national budget was the most important economic development policy instrument in providing a comprehensive statement of a nation’s priorities. This was because it was through the budget that the Government formulated strategic plans and allocated resources to implement programmes to ensure the growth and development of the country.

She added that women were recognized as being among the most vulnerable in society, as there were issues which greater impacted women, such as access to education, employment, financing, housing and other social amenities; care of children and the elderly; and the plight of rural women.

Against this background, participants were unanimous in their conclusion that the budgetary process had to respond appropriately to women’s needs, and Parliaments and the CPA had to employ strategies to ensure that women’s issues were

given due recognition, and adequate funding provided to support programmes to enhance their wellbeing.

She detailed how the Government had embarked on gender budgets since 2003, where line ministries had to submit gender analyses with their budget statements.

These were monitored by trained gender officers assigned to respective ministries. She noted that mindset and attitudinal change were critical to the success of the process.

Hon. Kumari Selja, MP, (India) made reference to legislation in India that ensured equal rights and the empowerment of women, which resulted in strict adherence to gender budgeting particularly for programmes which enhanced the development of women and children. Ministries and departments had gender budget cells to review public expenditure and policy guidelines and undertake gender analyses. Gender audits were also being introduced to improve financial accountability. She stated that this year a large contingent of

From left: Session Secretary Ms Lily Faavae, Moderator Hon. Dato Ng Yen Yen and Discussion Leaders Hon. Kumari Selja and Sen. the Hon. Dr Rosemarie Husbands-Mathurin.

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women met with the Finance Minister, which resulted in the budget for women receiving its largest ever allocation.

For Sen. the Hon. Rosemarie Husbands-Mathurin (St Lucia) the workshop was a timely learning experience, since consideration of women’s budgets was at a rudimentary stage in the Caribbean, due mainly to the lack of expertise and political will.

Most of the work had been undertaken in Belize through technical assistance provided by the Commonwealth Secretariat, but there was a crucial need for training in gender analysis, as one of the main difficulties was that evaluation focused on expenditure without reference to the impact of budget decisions on women. In St. Lucia, for example, it was the women who were responsible for supplying water to the homes and so the privatization of water had the greatest impact on them.

Using Gender Budgets to influence policy Hon. Lindiwe Maseko, MP, (South Africa) highlighted the positive impact of gender budgets in South Africa in influencing government policy, and referred to a programme aimed at providing jobs in particular sectors, which had a significant impact on local communities.

The programme highlighted a commitment to gender equality, and

efforts were being made to achieve an overall result in society as a whole.

The Legislature was involved in the budget process, by ensuring that adequate funding was available for gender issues. She argued that there was still a great deal to be done to achieve parity, but women needed to become more involved in decision making to ensure equality.

Baroness Gardener (United Kingdom) outlined that women’s problems differed from country to country, where in the U.K one of the challenges was the cost of child care. Women were the primary care givers, and even if both parents worked, most of their salary went into childcare.

She argued that the Government had to provide assistance, in particular, for pre-school children. She endorsed the view that women needed to understand the budget process to know whether they were benefitting from the budget. Having observed micro-credit systems and the difficulty faced by women in accessing help with their finances, she noted that women who had repaid their loans, created the opportunity for other women to obtain loans, a value which was highly under-estimated.

Hon. Karyn Paluzzano, MP, (Australia) demonstrated Australia’s ongoing commitment to the process and reported that they still had a Commissioner for Women and a Minister for women’s affairs, and pro-

Taking women into account Hon. Mamagana Malose Anna Nyama, MP, (South Africa) opined that you had to take women’s views into account when dealing with legislation that affected women’s lives. In South Africa, rural provinces were characterized by low levels of education and women did not understand lengthy documents and figures. However, the priorities of rural women were no less important than those of other women, and uneducated rural women had to be given the opportunity for their issues to be placed on the agenda, among which were basic food needs and clean running water. Progress had been made as a result of gender budgeting and monitoring by the Legislature, including state assistance in health for pre-natal care and children up to the age of five.

Ms Yasmin Ratansi, MP, (Canada) made reference to the document entitled Gender Budget Overview and invited Members to visit the website for the full comprehensive report.

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Sen. the Hon. Dr Rosemarie Husbands-Mathurin of Saint Lucia.

grammes for gender budgeting were still being done.

Among the initiatives were mentoring programmes for schoolgirls; programmes for young women in prisons; a strong emphasis on prosecuting domestic violence and partnerships with trade unions. She admitted that there were still important issues outstanding, such as universal paid maternity leave and childcare, which was so costly that some women opted not to work. She recommended that CWP undertook comparative studies to see what was globally obtained.

Hon. Zaynab Matitu Vulu, CCM, (Tanzania) reported significant achievements in women’s issues. All agencies and ministries had become involved in the process, but they still lacked formal gender budgeting systems and some people, i.e. rural women, were left out of the process, experiencing difficulty in accessing water, education and agricultural lands.

Programme funding was also a challenge, where despite now receiving support from male Parliamentarians, a greater effort was needed to be expended in the gender sensitization process.

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On the issue of childcare, the federal government made a deal with municipalities to establish a fund, the Universal Early Learning Strategies, which made provisions for childcare and also addressed housing issues.

Hon. Pratapsingh Rane, MP, (India) congratulated the CPA on bringing this important subject to the table, as it highlighted an awareness of the need for change, in particular, attitudinal change among men.

He outlined that fiscal measures and budgets would only be meaningful when the practical concerns of women were addressed, for example, the effects of natural disasters on women. Furthermore, he argued that Parliament needed to ensure that adequate legislation was enacted to address women’s issues.

A Malaysian delegate pointed out that gender budgets displayed no negative impacts and could only be beneficial to everyone.

Hon. Kashmala Tariq, MP, (Pakistan) lamented the lack of political will and commitment, and noted that women themselves were not committed to the process.

Despite quotas, such as women’s chambers and women studying in tertiary institutions, the reality was that 70-80 per cent of women lived in rural areas and did not feel the positive effects of these initiatives.

Issues such as health, education, poverty, maternity leave and transportation still did not receive adequate attention. She expressed concern that the CWP, as the highest forum for women representing 53 countries, had no budget for women’s issues.

Hon. Elma Dienda, MP, (Namibia) maintained that women in Parliament were not committed to the process due to party loyalty, and budgets for women’s issues were not a priority with issues such as maternity leave being rejected in Parliament.

To this end, political parties and the wider population needed to be sensitized on the need for gender budgeting.

Hon. Irene Ng, MP, (Singapore) stated that in Singapore, budget requests had to be supported by concrete proposals with identifiable

Hon. Dato’ Ng Yen Yen, MP, of Malaysia.

outcomes. She endorsed the need for collaboration with the labour movement to promote employment for women.

Mrs Ferial Ashraff, MP, (Sri Lanka) noted that although a large amount of the budget was allocated to peace-keeping efforts, women had managed to make their presence felt in the country.

Sri Lanka’s Government – with a predominant tea and garment industry employing women and migrant workers –programmes cater to both men and women particularly in education. However, programmes specifically geared for women and children were free food baskets for pregnant women and free meals in schools. At present, housing and micro-financing mainly benefited couples, but there was pending legislation for women to access these facilities independently.

Hon. Maggie Mbaankanyi, MP, (Botswana) pinpointed the role of monitoring to show how women and children benefited from gender budgets, and expressed concern at the lack of political will. She reiterated the need for public education, and the important role of Parliament and the CPA in focusing on gender issues and making funding available for women’s programmes.

Mrs Clare Christian, MLC, (Isle of Man) stated that in her community, there was still a disparity of power between men and women

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and an imbalance in the distribution of resources.

There were programmes to assist girls in recognizing that they had equal rights; however, boys had to also be sensitized on their own roles, and it was suggested that focus be placed on children and family issues, which ultimately benefited women. While the Isle of Man had good social policies, such as paternity leave, there was also need for attitudinal change among men for those policies to be effective. She stressed that the role of Parliamentarians was important in effecting this change.

The moderator closed the discussion by stating that although their landscapes were different, participants were all striving for the same goals.

There were many lessons to be learnt in respect of methodologies and data analysis, and the challenge was in getting the CPA, CWP and national Parliaments fully involved in the process.

To view a copy of Gender Budgets - An Overview, go to: www.parl.gc.ca/information/library/PRBpub s/prb0725-e.htm

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54th COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Plenary - 8 August 2008

The global food crisis Commonwealth governments must lead a new global partnership against soaring food prices through co-ordinated policies to increase food production, curb the cultivation of biofuel crops instead of food, curtail corporate profiteering in the food industry and improve soil, water and land use management, said delegates speaking on the current worldwide food pricing crisis.

Although speakers attributed the crisis to many possible causes, there was agreement that a co-ordinated international programme on food production, distribution and pricing should replace the piecemeal and sometimes contradictory policies they accused intergovernmental agencies of pursuing.The Commonwealth can lead the way in promoting co-operative policies and legislation, including pooling knowledge about technological developments and scientific research to clarify the sources of the food crisis and its most effective solutions.

High priority should be given to encouraging people, especially the young and small land-holders, to stay in agriculture and this must be complemented by incentives and infrastructure projects to improve production and access to markets. Urgent action is required so past progress in reducing poverty and hunger and the future achievement of the Millennium Development Goals are not undermined.

Replenishing the soil Focusing attention on soil, Hon. Dato' Seri DiRaja Syed Razlan Jamalullail, MLA, of Perlis urged Commonwealth farmers to use a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers to restore the soil to full health while maintaining productivity. He argued that inorganic nitrogen fertilizers plus the use of insecticides stresses the soil and leaves it too acidic. He favoured the introduction of farming practices which concentrate on feeding the soil, not just the crops.

Dato’ Razlan said inorganic fertilizers revive the soil by restoring its Ph balance and improving its nutrient content.The nutrients are absorbed by the plant and improve its productivity; but inorganic fertilizers alone do not raise productivity enough to meet the world’s food needs. He advised farmers to use them in conjunction with inorganic fertilizers which increase crop yields so productivity is not raised at the expense of the soil.

The latest biotech advances used with organic fertilizer will revive the soil and raise productivity, even on marginal land.

Noting that a hungry mouth is an angry mouth, he said that producing more from the land is the key to preventing the destabilization of societies by hunger.The technology is available to achieve this goal.

In Malaysia, Dato’ Razlan said waste is used as organic fertilizer.This

reduces the waste disposal problem and also reduces the reliance of producers on petroleum-based fertilizers whose prices are rising. He criticized conglomerates which he said promote the use of their inorganic fertilizers, insecticides and fungicides even though they do not help the soil to raise the natural resistance of plants.

He also criticized absentee landlords and leaving land to stand idle.

Potentially productive land should be activated to feed the world, he said.

Correcting global problems Citing an array of factors which he said have produced the current food price crisis, Hon. David Carty, MLA, Speaker of Anguilla’s House of Assembly, called for global and local action to preserve the “amazing human progress” made over the last two centuries and to prevent the dire consequences he predicted the world would experience if nothing is done to ensure the sensible stewardship of the world’s resources.

Mr Carty said the Commonwealth should lead the global community to influence each national government to provide incentives for creative solutions to global issues, disincentives for pollution and subsidies on food for the poorest and most vulnerable in each society. Programmes are needed to raise the awareness of citizens, Parliamentarians and governments about the causes of the food crisis.

In listing what he said were the

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causes of the current crisis, the Member noted demand for food had risen since 2001. But he focused first on energy price rises which he said have diverted much arable land away from producing food to growing crops for biofuels such as ethanol. He said half of the crop production in some countries now goes for biofuel so stocks of staples are low.This also affects the production of feed crops, thus reducing the supply of meat.

Volatile oil prices affect all consumption and have led to the depreciation of the United States dollar, the unit of currency in which most exports are priced.

At the conclusion of the debate, Mr Carty said the adverse effect of recent energy price rises on food prices and production seemed to be a common thread. Oil prices affect fertilizer use, the rural-urban population shift and the acceleration of biofuel production.The world must adopt new attitudes toward the scientific research, development and use of carbon-friendly technology.

The Anguillan highlighted other issues in food production as climate change, environmental damage, population growth, the loss of arable land and a reduction in genetic diversity.

Environmentally, he said climate change is attacking wild species including pollinators and pest controllers, and producing droughts in Australia and China. Carbon emissions and sea level rise must be curtailed, and solutions must be found to salination problems in low-lying areas and to the degradation of reef and coastal fisheries by marine pollution.

He warned against any further reduction in biodiversity, which he said caused the Irish potato famines of the 1840s.

The population issue was cited as a contributor to the food price crisis, but one that Mr Carty said everyone is ignoring. He said the world’s population is projected to increase by 50 per cent by 2050. Nearly half of the world’s current population of 6.7 billion is under age 25 and 1.2 billion are aged 10 to 19, he said.

Food or fuel Although he acknowledged other factors contributed to the rise in food prices, which he said was undermining poverty reduction gains over the

Discussion Leader Hon. David Carty.

last decade worldwide and especially in Africa, Prof. L.B.G. Ndabandaba, MPL, Deputy Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature in South Africa, placed the bulk of the blame on the rise in energy prices.This has diverted significant amounts of food production to biofuel use.

Petroleum price rises have led to sugar, soya, sunflower seeds and other edible crops being diverted to energy production, he said. Food prices are soaring, store shelves are empty and at least 100 million people have been pushed back into poverty as the poor compete with cars for farm produce.

Land on which food was once grown now produces fuel.

Prof. Ndabandaba cited numerous statistics from various sources to describe the extent of food price rises. In South Africa in recent months, rises in oil prices have pushed up prices of staples by at least 20 per cent, forcing the government to provide more income support for poor and more incentives to increase food production. Allocating more funds to subsidizing food deprives governments of money to invest in improving health and other services.

Subsidies are necessary to stave off instability and violence generated by high food prices. Dealing with hunger saps the strength of every nation to deal with other issues, such as HIV/AIDS. Globally, he said 37 countries face food price crisis, 21 of them in Africa. Food prices have risen by 75 per cent worldwide in recent years.

He attributed 30 per cent of the increase in grain prices to biofuel use and to speculators pushing grain and other crop futures prices up.

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Other causes for the rise in food prices cited by the KwaZulu Member included droughts in some of world’s main food exporting countries, increased wealth and therefore consumption in Asia, corporate monopolies in the food production and sales system and land being left uncultivated because of urban migration. Parliaments should deal with all the causes of rising prices, he said.

Prof. Ndabandaba said governments should establish stronger safety nets to support the poor. Food prices should be reduced and measures implemented to enhance long-term food supply by investing in research.

People must be encouraged to stay on the land and to produce food crops. A balance must be struck between farming for food and farming for biofuel.

The intergovernmental perspective Turning from national to global responses, Ms Mihoko Tamamura, the World Food Programme’s Country Director for India, said the current food pricing crisis requires extensive international co-operation and support. Agricultural research is needed to find new ways of increasing production and international financial support to life-saving programmes, such as mother and child support and school feeding schemes, must be increased.

She said international food aid budgets are not keeping pace with food price rises and so must be increased. U.S. $6 billion is needed for food air and other life-saving programmes such as refugee camps and natural disaster relief, said Ms Tamamura, adding that the figure did

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Finding the causes Throughout the ensuing debate, Members focused on several factors they said are contributing to the food price crisis, with different Members emphasizing different factors.

Australian Sen. Bill Heffernan described a role for the Commonwealth in clarifying this state of affairs by calling for the organization to take the lead in forming a global task force to examine the scientific information to make the best advice available to the world.

He said the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has highlighted a global water shortage as affecting rising prices and declining production. He also blamed speculators and farm subsidies in the United States and the European Union for pushing up prices.

He said governments must change policies to they contain urban sprawl, protect good farmland and conserve water. He was critical of policies which turn good farmland into urban development and encourage irrigation to try to raise the productivity of poor land.

Hon. Steve Peters, MLA, of the Canadian province of Ontario supported a drive for better information to remove what he said are some of contradictions in the causes of the crisis. Biofuel production is not the only cause of the price rises, he said, arguing that in Canada wheat is not used for ethanol at the

Ms Mihoko Tamamura from the World Food Programme.

expense of food production. Rice and corn are also not sacrificed as edible crops.

Rising prices are not enriching farmers, as he said big corporations are taking the profits. In the environmental field, the pressures of climate change are creating a demand for cleaner fuel, so the best balance has to be found among food, fuel and environmental policies.The debate should also include a careful examination of whether genetic modification of food crops should be encouraged.

“Silent tsunami” Likening the effect of rising food prices to the catastrophic results of a major tsunami, an Indian state Member from Bihar led the call for international action to alleviate the suffering of the world’s poor, a call that was taken up by a British Parliamentarian.

Hon. Uday Narain Choudhary, MLA, said the rising cost of food is exacerbating chronic world hunger and jeopardizing the achievability of the Millennium Development Goals.

With food prices predicted to continue rising in developing countries, the world’s poorest will be affected the worst.

He identified drought and other environmental factors as prime causes, along with high prices for fertilizers.The solutions to the crisis can be found in increasing agricultural production by increasing investment in natural resources, and in implementing effective policies to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

Mr Hugh Bayley, MP, of the United Kingdom agreed that a new international partnership is necessary to ensure food production, food aid and security of supply. He criticized the United Nations system’s response to the current situation, saying too many agencies are working around the hunger issue. A single agency, such as the World Food Programme, should take the lead so the UN system generates a bolder response to the issue.

Mr Bayley noted food prices are not just a developing world issue.The doubling of prices in a year has created a major problem for developed and developing alike, and most especially for urban populations whose incomes have not kept pace.

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not include aid to those pushed back into poverty by rising prices for food and for farm inputs.

Ms Tamamura called for support for food purchases from small producers so they become economically productive, and for food aid policies to stress the value of local purchases to help local farmers. It is not just a matter of African government and international donors putting more money into food aid, although that is necessary. It is also necessary to improve the way food aid is spent.

The WFP official said global food productivity had been rising significantly, halving the number of people living in hunger in recent years. Food for all is still achievable.

However she said the recent sudden and sharp rises in the prices of basic commodities have priced food out of the reach of poor people all over the world.The poorest billion people, those living on less than $1 a day, face disaster without global action.

She noted that the World Bank is not predicting a reduction in food prices before 2012 and analysts predict further rises in rice, wheat and maize prices. Rising petroleum prices and higher costs of other inputs are contributing to the food price crisis.

Ms Tamamura said the world needs to become more productive through better seeds and fertilizers; but it must do so in an environmentally sustainable way.

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Discussion Leaders Hon. Dato’ Seri Diraja Syed Razlan Jamallullail and Hon. Professor L.B.G Ndabandaba.

Children in the womb are suffering from malnutrition and more people are dying from hunger than from HIV/AIDS. Opposing biofuels from food Members from a southern African nation and India recounted their governments’ opposition to biofuel production at the expense of food.

Hon. Antonio Ham Thay, MP, of Mozambique said his government opposes biofuel producers competing for crops with food producers who are striving to increase productivity to meet rising prices and rising demand for food. Irrigation, better water use and raising the productivity of rural areas are being promoted.

Mr Hama Thay argued for the opening of world trade to farmers from developing countries who need help to get their produce into the world market.

Shri Sachin Pilot, MP, of India noted his country’s farmers feed onesixth of humanity despite having little land and water. Food crops are not used for biofuel production in India, he said.

Looking at the food supply globally, Shri Pilot said food consumption in India on a per-capital basis is far below that of the United States.

Lifestyles and wastage have a serious affect on food supply, he added, noting that it is estimated that 40 per cent of food production is wasted.

There is a concentration of huge wealth in the hands of a relative few.

The world produces lots of food, said

the Indian MP, there just isn’t enough money distributed around the world.

Shri Pilot said government policies must consider economies of scale in harvesting and storing food.

The role of speculators in the food market should be curtailed and policies pursued to ensure food gets to the people. The world can produce enough food.

A second Indian contributor said governments must look holistically at all of the factors affecting food prices: rural decline, price rises, urbanization, climate change and other issues must be dealt with together, said Dr Kapila Vatsyayan, MP. She said people have created the imbalances which have lead to today’s crisis. Hunger has been created by the greed of a few.

Another Indian Member, Shri Manvendra Singh, MP, said governments must assess national food supply systems if the poor are going hungry. He too blamed speculators for today’s pricing problems, saying farmers are not getting high prices for their produce.

He also agreed that lifestyle problems are contributing to climate change and the excessive wastage of food, and he acknowledged the need to sustain the soil. But, he added, how do governments find the right balance between sustainable food production and the need for more houses and factories.

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of Malaysia was among those who favoured the use of incentives to raise food production. But a South African Member noted that financial incentives in the form of subsidies are not an acceptable part of the international trading system, and he and a provincial colleague raised the issue of war as a source of high prices.

Dr Vijayaratnam said government incentives should be given to stimulate rural food production. Incentives and other policies are needed to keep young people on the land as entrepreneurs and farmers.The young should also be encouraged to take up plantation farming as a way of feeding growing urban populations who cannot produce their own food.

However, Hon. Bantu Holomisa, MP, of South Africa, recalled that the South African government used to subsidize food production so the country was able to export food.

Since 1994, however, South Africa as a member of the World Trade Organization had to cut out subsidies. Many farmers in donor countries are still heavily subsidized.

Mr Holomisa urged all governments to put the interests of their own citizens first when they ratify international conventions.

Turning to the biofuel question, the South African Parliamentarian blamed wars against countries like Iran and Iraq for enabling speculators to push up fuel prices and create a demand for alternative energy sources.

A speaker from the South African

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Investment issues Hon. Mahmoud Kombo, MHR, from the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar focused on the investment problem.

He said industries such as mining and tourism attract investors but agriculture and fisheries do not. Agricultural investment in Tanzania should be increased, he said, pointing out that many studies have been done into agriculture in the country, but not into agricultural investment.

Weaknesses in the infrastructure of many nations contribute to the food supply issue and therefore to its price.

From Sierra Leone, Hon. Bai Kurr Kanagbaro-Sanka, MP, argued that there is not just a food price crisis.The whole world is in crisis, he said, as there are food, health, water and energy crises.There are not enough doctors, roads and teachers but the global community has plenty of weapons. Donor countries should investigate all these crises, he said.

He was among those who blamed large corporations for contributing to world crises, from which he said they then benefit.The war in Iraq was also cited, with the Member arguing that it is not helping the people of that country.

Hon. Ike Chinwo, MHR, of Nigeria criticized investments in energy diversification which diverted food crops to energy. Food crops like maize and wheat should not be turned into fuel, he said.

From the Indian state of Kerala, Hon. K. Radhakrishnan, MLA, said one problem facing small-scale farmers is a lack of available credit. New technology should be used to increase food production, but its use will require an investment which can be difficult for small producers.

He was among those who criticized policies and practices in developed countries for contributing to the food price crisis.

An Indian colleague from Jharkhand, Hon. Alamgir Khan, MLA, agreed with others that population growth, climate change and oil prices were among the main contributors to the rise in food prices.

He warned that people in the developing world already spend too high a percentage of their income on food. If price reductions do not come soon, this situation will become worse and will promote social unrest.

Parliamentary involvement Two African Members called on Parliamentarians to take a lead in resolving the food crisis.

Hon. Request Muntanga, MP, of Zambia urged MPs to begin pressing for action, particularly at the international level where he said there are serious inconsistencies. Brazil and other countries cut down forests to create more arable land.This influences climate change but no one says anything, he argued.

Under the World Trade Organization’s rules-based system, farmers in developed countries are paid not produce while other international organizations struggle to cope with a lack of food. Many in the developed world subsidize their agricultural producers at the same time as they tell the developing world not to subsidize their farmers.There is pressure to produce more food as prices rise, but do the higher prices reach the producers, he asked.

Farmers are encouraged to use organic fertilizer, but is this cheaply available?

Dr Banadzeen Joseph, MP, of Cameroon said Parliamentarians are

closer to their farming communities than the government is, so Members should work through the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to interact with the global community, especially with the World Food Programme, to transfer knowledge and technology to producers so they can increase the food supply. Countries should strive for self-sufficiency in food so they do not have to import it.

Global issues Members from Pakistan considered the effects on food pricing caused by two other global issues, international terms of trade and anti-terrorism campaigns.

Mr Khurram Dastgir Khan, MNA, said the food price crisis is a result of the failure of the international market to maintain a proper balance between supply and demand. The world food market is led by the West and distorted by speculators whose actions affect prices and production as developing country farmers don’t produce when the market is bad, he said.

Hunger and its attendant suffering are effectively man-made.

Mr Khan urged the Commonwealth to give serious consideration to ways to reform the global market place so the poorest countries have a voice in determining the prices of their produce in international trade.

Ms Kashmala Tariq, MNA, raised the issue of the war on terror and its threat to democracy and stability in Pakistan. Her country is in the front line of the war against terrorism and now also has to deal with the effects of high prices.

She called Parliamentarians to return to the countries and press for reduced duties on fertilizer, policies to contain urban sprawl, enhanced public-private partnerships to establish large commercial farms and irrigation projects and programmes to encourage people to develop their own kitchen gardens.

International aid should also be targeted at food research and the dissemination of the latest information on new agricultural developments.

This could lead, for example, to the manufacturing of biofuel from nonedible produce.

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province of Limpopo, Dr the Hon. T.S. Farisani, MPL, joined Mr Holomisa in looking at the effect of war on prices. He suggested that a five-year moratorium on war would save the world enough money to solve the food price problem.

Dr Farisani joined others in advocating the promotion of small-holder farms. He also urged governments to revisit land management and ownership policies which he said contribute to food production – and therefore pricing – issues.

He cited the skills drain to the developed from the developing world as another issue to be addressed, proposing that developed nations should compensate developing states for taking their skilled people.

Although a full definition of the current food crisis is still controversial among global experts, the crisis is well known at the grassroots: he said that of the 920 million people who face a food crisis, 820 million are in Africa and only nine million are in the developed world.

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54th COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Plenary - 9 August 2008

The Communications Challenge for Parliament - meeting the information needs of Members and the public Improving parliamentary governance depends on the prompt provision of better information on policy issues to Parliamentarians and to the people, so governments must not use financial constraints to justify restricting Parliament’s ability to communicate with the people. Hampering Parliament’s ability to inform the people about issues and Parliament’s contribution to their resolution will undermine public support for parliamentary democracy, argued delegates at the final plenary session.

Parliaments in turn must make full use of broadcasting, websites, email, e-petitions and the electronic publication of all documents so citizens are fully informed about issues and can have direct access both to

their elected representatives and to debates. Parliaments should provide people with information unedited by the media as well opening both Chamber and committee meetings to full media coverage, including, where possible, live broadcasting.

Public access to the parliamentary process should be increased through more face-to-face interactions between people and their elected representatives, including by holding periodic House sittings and committee hearings away from the capital and facilitating school visits to Parliament.

There was some support for ensuring that parliamentary Standing Orders allow Parliamentarians to access the internet in the Chamber.

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Bridging the technology gap Noting that Commonwealth Heads of Government agreed in 2005 on a programme to end the digital divide, and the Indian government has contributed money and other support to the Commonwealth information and communications technology development fund, Hon. Somnath Chatterjee, MP, Speaker of the Lok Sabha of India, urged all Parliaments to ensure that their Members have unrestrained access to authentic, objective and non-partisan information so they can make informed decisions. Equally, the people need authentic, objective and non-partisan information about what Parliament and Members are doing so they can make informed choices.The right to

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Covering vast distances and vast volumes The capacity of information and communications technology to enable Members to cover the large distances between many of them and their constituents and to cover the huge volumes of material now available on issues was emphasized by Sen. the Hon. Alan Ferguson, President of the Australian Senate, who added that the information flow should not be determined by the government.

He agreed with Shri Chatterjee that Parliamentary Libraries must be equipped to provide Members with high-quality information fast.

Parliamentary education programmes

are also key to ensuring people can make knowledgeable choices, he said, noting as well that communications technology should be used so they can access the people who govern them as well as information about their government.

Sen. Ferguson reported that all Australian Parliaments at the Commonwealth, state and territorial levels have embraced technology to improve communications with the people, particularly those in large constituencies far removed the country’s capitals. Electronic communications have therefore become the main form of communications as Parliaments advance the e-democracy agenda. Electronic petitions, emails, online submissions to committees and webcasting proceedings bring Parliament and its Members much closer to the people than ever before.

Australia’s Parliamentary Library now offers access online to thousands of journals and papers.The Parliamentary Education Office in Canberra brings more than 90,000 students a year through the Australian Parliament to learn about parliamentary democracy.

Sen. Ferguson also stressed the importance of televising all of the proceedings of Parliament, not just questions.That part of the parliamentary day is purely theatre and distorts the reality of Parliament where most of the time all Members work together for the benefit of the people, he said.

many citizens could identify photographs of senior Ministers. Despite the fact that Trinidad had only 68 Members in both its Houses, most people couldn’t identify their leaders.

Parliaments therefore have to be creative in supplying information to the people and in obtaining information from the people to help Parliamentarians do their job.

Mr Sinanan said citizens must see their MPs at work, so the proceedings of many Houses are broadcast live or placed on the internet.This is a necessary part of the democratic process and one that should not be constrained by the costs involved. Other technological developments which should be used included such options as email, discussion groups, blogs and online viewing of proposed legislation.

In Trinidad and Tobago, Parliament recognized that Members need good research so it provides them with research staff, internet access and computers. Parliament has maintained its own website since 1999.The public can access the text of Acts and Bills and can follow the progress of a Bill through Parliament, among other features, he said.

Parliamentary proceedings are broadcast on radio, television and the website as the public likes to see and hear what Parliament is doing, he said.This also enables the public to monitor what Parliament actually did, without having to rely solely on the media who can make mistakes in their coverage.

Transparency, accountability and understanding The Speaker of the Trinidad and Tobago House of Representatives, Hon. Barendra Sinanan, MP, noted that rising levels of transparency and accountability are demanded of Parliamentarians and yet the public remains largely uninformed about what their elected institution and its Members are doing. All Parliaments and Legislatures must therefore find new and creative ways to use information and communications technology to connect with the people, and they must not let financial constraints stop the improvement of links with the electorate.

Mr Sinanan recalled that an informal survey was conducted in his country several years ago to see how

Face to face Mr Mandla Nkomfe, MPL, from South Africa’s Gauteng Provincial Legislature advocated the provision

by Parliament of good technological services and facilities, but not to the exclusion of opportunities for direct interaction between Members and the public.

Mr Nkomfe said the National Council of Provinces, South Africa’s upper House, holds meetings in each of the provinces as well as in Cape Town, the seat of Parliament. Portfolio Committees of the National Assembly also hold hearings around the country.

This helps to provide feedback to Members from the community.

Parliament also has the usual parliamentary provisions for receiving petitions; but it also has a programme

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information and access to it are crucial to democracy, he said.

Information is the greatest source of power available to Parliamentarians and to those managing public affairs; it must be available to Members quickly, so Parliaments must make the maximum use of information technology.

Accountability requires information: Parliament needs information to hold the executive to account, and the people need information to hold Parliament to account, he said.

Freedom of information legislation, similar to what India has passed, is necessary.

Shri Chatterjee said Members must also make full use of parliamentary procedures such as questions, notices of motions and other opportunities to raise matters of public concern to gather information.To supplement these avenues, he said the Parliament of India over the last four years has organized lectures on contemporary issues by experts in the field.

All parliamentary activities have been automated and all MPs provided with computers.The Parliamentary Library has been computerized so electronic databases are available to all Parliamentarians and to citizens as well.

The Parliament of India reaches out to the people through its Lok Sabha Television channel and by webcasting House proceedings, providing facilities to the mass media so they can cover Parliament, establishing a museum and exhibitions on democracy and setting up programmes on democracy for young scholars.

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From left: Discussion Leaders Hon. Somnath Chaterjee, Sen. the Hon. Alan Ferguson and Hon. Barendra Sinanan.

to build the capacity of advocacy groups to improve their outreach efforts. He said parliamentary communications programmes should be targeted especially at young people, the uneducated, the disabled and the urban poor.

Mr Nkomfe said people in his country need to be educated about the differences between the national Parliament and the provincial Legislatures, as well as about the differences between a Parliament or Legislature and a government. Better public understanding of the processes and structures of Parliament, as well as of its activities, will raise public confidence in the parliamentary system. Connectivity must play a key part in giving the community access to databases and other forms of parliamentary information.

But he said capacity-building in South Africa does not stop with the people. Parliamentarians also need to improve their knowledge and understanding as many of South Africa’s citizens are elected because they are good advocates and representatives of the views of the people, but they are not necessarily well educated.

Capacity-building and information programmes for MPs therefore have to take this into account. Parliaments and Legislatures also must maintain good internal communications so

Members and staff understand the vision and roles of the institution.

Communications technology plays a key role in informing Members, as does the provision by Parliament of legal and procedural advice and information on policy issues, especially for Members in their work on committees, he said.

Connectivity in the Chamber A Member from Trinidad and Tobago, Hon. Kamla Persad Bissessar, MP, raised the issue of connectivity for Members in the Chamber.Their Opposition Leader had been suspended until December 2008 for, she said, using a laptop in the Chamber.

She asked for information on the use of computers in the Chambers of other Parliaments.

She also asked what happens elsewhere in the Commonwealth to petitions. She said in Trinidad this vital input from the public is filed but nothing further happens.

At the end of the debate, Mr Sinanan said the Opposition Leader had been suspended for gross disrespect for the authority of the Chair, not for using the laptop.The Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago does not have a rule on laptops in the Chamber so he had advised Members that they could use laptops for the Chamber’s business of the day.The

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Leader of the Opposition had disregarded the authority of the Chair over this.

During the debate, a Member from Zambia indicated that laptops are not allowed in his Chambers, while a Member from Wales said the new National Assembly Chamber has full connectively with computers and internet access built into each Member’s desk. Sen. Ferguson noted that the Australian Senate has computers at every seat except that of the Presiding Officer.

Other Members reported that some use of information and communication technology is allowed in the Chamber.A Member from Zanzibar said laptops are not allowed in his Chamber or in the Tanzanian National Assembly Chamber, except that Members are allowed to use laptops when they are speaking. He expressed concern that opening Chambers to full computer and internet use would encourage Members to do other work or read news instead of focusing on Chamber business.

In the South African province of Gauteng, laptops are not allowed in the Chamber but personal devices like Blackberries are.

Effective parliamentary communications policies The need for an effective communi-

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Discussion Leaders Mr Mandla Nkomfe and Hon. Somnath Chaterjee.

cations policy was emphasized by a Member from South Africa’s Western Cape Provincial Legislature, while a Ugandan pressed for research into which communications policies are in fact effective.

Hon. Shaun Byneveldt, MPL, said a strong link with the people through the provision of information is fundamental to any legitimate institution of democratic governance. Members need to hear what the people have to say. Public participation enables people to effect change, and better information leads to better governance.

But he added that people must also be able to use the information they receive so provisions must be made to empower them to reach their elected representatives.

A clear and effective communications policy promotes trust between Parliament and the public, he said.

A task for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in identifying the most effective methods of parliamentary communication was identified by Hon. Charles Oleny, MP, of Uganda.The CPA should investigate if the various existing methods of communicating parliamentary information are actually reaching the people. He added that even within Uganda there are different challenges facing Members trying to reach people in urban versus rural constituencies.

The Parliament of Uganda has begun live broadcasts of its proceedings, but he said more MPs are now speaking which has led to what he

described as unnecessary extra time being spent in debates.

Broadcasting has also turned Parliament into “theatre”.The public is attracted to what he said were ugly incidents.

Leading the way Britain’s relatively new Parliaments, the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales, have both embraced electronic governance, said Members from those Houses.

Mr David Whitten, MSP, said proceedings of the Scottish Parliament are televised and webcast, and minutes of meetings are available in public libraries. Petitions from the public come in as e-petitions. School tours visit Parliament and parliamentary staff visit more far-flung schools to explain the Parliament and its activities.The Scottish Parliament maintains an information exchange with the business community and it holds political festivals on issues. It has a public rating for the information services it provides.

The Parliament provides a research service for MSPs, which includes scientific briefings. Each Member is provided with a laptop, a computer and access to the internet.

They also have their own sections on the parliamentary website, complete with video interviews.

Mr Alun Cairns, AM, said the Welsh Assembly has published all its documents only in electronic form since it was established in 1999.This has cut costs.

Full connectivity in the Assembly’s new Chamber enables the public and lobby groups to send emails to Members as debates are actually beginning.The new Chamber also enables video presentations to be made in debates; while this is rarely done, it is permissible.The Chamber also has electronic voting so Members vote from their desks.

Financial support Among the Members who agreed that financial constraints should not be allowed to restrict the information flow between Parliament and the people, Hon.V.N. Malebo, MP, of Lesotho argued that the people must understand how they are being governed. People want to know what their Members are doing on their behalf.

In Lesotho, summaries of Members’ speeches are carried on radio, and visits to Parliament by schools are facilitated as this generates a lot of interest.

Every Parliament needs an adequate budget to communicate with the people, he said.

In Zanzibar, some of the necessary money has come to the Zanzibari House of Representatives through a United Nations Development Programme capacitybuilding aid scheme, said Hon. Mahmoud Kembo, MHR.This has provided information and communications technology for Members of the House of Representatives. It also has a website.

Hon. Fong Po Kuan, MP, of

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Malaysia called for Parliaments to operate independently from the executive.

She asked how Parliament should best provide information to Members and said her Parliament is not consulted now. It also does not have committees meeting regularly to analyze Bills.

Mr Rob Messenger, MP, of the Australian state of Queensland said the Parliamentary Library should be a well-resourced information source for Members. It should provide accurate, non-partisan and succinct advice. He suggested the CPA should study how Parliamentary Libraries should best be resourced.

Mr Messenger said he visit schools as young people do not understand what politics is all about.

Few want to be politicians and most think that Parliamentarians fight all the time, even though he said 80 per cent of legislation receives bipartisan support, leaving 20 per cent of Bills that are controversial and over which there is partisan fighting.

While Parliaments are accountable to the people, he asked to whom the people are accountable.

All forms of outreach While technology can help, Members from Zambia and from the Gauteng Legislature said their Houses maintain many other forms of communication with their electorates.

The Zambian National Assembly is improving access to the Chamber and to committees for the public and the media, said Hon. Amusaa

Mwanamwambwa, MP, who said Parliamentarians are also being provided with offices and staff in their constituencies throughout Zambia to help them reach citizens.

The National Assembly also helps MPs to visit their constituencies as often as possible so Members and the public have as much face-to-face contact as possible.

Computer connectivity is also being provided to MPs. The National Assembly maintains a website to enable the public to see laws, Bills, the Order Paper and other parliamentary documentation and information.

Mr Bekizwe Nkosi, MPL, of Gauteng emphasized that new technology must not become a replacement for direct communications with people in the old-fashioned way.This is especially true in developing countries, where access to information and communications technology is often limited and cannot be relied on. It can improve communication, but it is not an alternative to direct communications.

Hon. Lindiwe Maseko, MPL, said all Gauteng’s parliamentary documents are translated into the different languages spoken widely in the South African province, and parliamentary publications appear in newspapers and issues are discussed on community radio, especially on phone-in programmes.The Legislature is broadcast on television, school tours are offered and educational programmes are run on issues, such as matters before com-

Discussion Leaders Hon. Barendra Sinanan and Sen. the Hon. Alan Ferguson.

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mittees.The House and its committees are open to the public.

She said committees hold public hearings at which people often ask questions about issues before other committees.The committees take such questions back to the Legislature for forwarding to the appropriate committee.

Gauteng holds women’s and youth Parliaments which are useful in enabling people to raise issues for subsequent discussion by Members.

Stakeholder meetings are also organized to help people and their Members communicate with each other. But she acknowledged that some communities just do not attend public meetings.

Different levels In concluding the debate, Mr Sinanan noted that the Trinidadian Parliament emails the Order Paper and Bills to Members and provides each Member with a computer. Parliament has its own website and its own dedicated television channel.

But he noted that the provision of parliamentary information is different in each country because of different levels of political maturity and literacy.

Mr Nkomfe stressed the need for improvements to all forms of communication, including technological developments but also holding People’s Assemblies and taking committee meetings to the people.

Sen. Ferguson lamented that the information flow in Australia has to overcome the problem of apathy.

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54th COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Plenary session - 5 August 2008

Opening Ceremony Hon. Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, MP President of the CPA and Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Malaysia.

Undoubtedly, the yearly gatherings of Commonwealth Parliamentarians through the CPA conference is something that is always awaited for by us, the Members, who are dedicated to the noble objectives of this association. Last year the conference was held in India and next year,Tanzania will be our host country.

Although the setting and venue of the conference always change, and to a certain extent the composition of the delegations are not of the same individuals every year, and the themes of the conference vary, nevertheless the spirits of the conference has always been the same, i.e. the conference is conducted in a family spirit and family atmosphere.

Yes, we do argue during our deliberations, be it in the Executive Committee meetings, Finance and Planning Subcommittee meetings or even during the Plenary, but the arguments are confined to the subtle understanding that our opinions, albeit contradictory and diverse, are meant for the good of the

Association. And the beauty of it all is that the arguments are delivered with utmost decorum and respect.

Yes, we also contest against each other for posts in the association, and again, the contests are conducted in a very friendly manner and meant for the betterment of CPA. As a Member of CPA and a strong believer of its noble objectives and someone who happens to be your President this year by being the Speaker of the host country, Malaysia, for this year’s conference, I am indeed proud and honoured to welcome and receive you all to this 54th CPA conference held here in Kuala Lumpur.

Ladies and Gentlemen, as Members of CPA, we are fully aware that this yearly conference is a platform for us Parliamentarians to exchange views, share ideas and engage in dialogues on a range of issues that affect the daily lives of the people we represent.

Although the aims of CPA are for the benefit of its Members and the conclusions of our deliberations are

not necessarily bindings upon the respective nations that we represent, nevertheless it is not impossible for us as Members of CPA to implement the outcomes of this meeting of minds into realities.

This is due to the undeniable fact that being Parliamentarians in our respective countries, to a certain extent, we can influence the policy of our governments.

However, to accomplish this, there has to be a higher degree of commitment and sincere understanding amongst us as Members of the association to work together to achieve our goals. After all, quoting a Chinese proverb, “A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials”.

The CPA is likened to that gem which must be polished to be rid of its imperfection, and we are likened to that man who has to partake in the trials that come our way, to prevail and to better serve the organization we represent. And like those who came before us, we must always look

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Opening Ceremony

Hon.Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia.

forward for a better future for the association, a better life for the peoples we represent and the generation to come.

As Parliamentarians from the elected Assemblies of our respective nations, we play an important role in creating great nations. And I firmly believe that the foundation of a nation’s greatness lies in the commitment of its leaders to uphold the value of democracy and that of liberty.

But the question that arises from this belief: How should one give value to democracy? I am sure my value judgement and definition of democracy would not be the same with the value judgement and definition of my Parliamentarian friends from other country. The reason being that, simply, I see democracy differently. I see democracy from the eyes and mind of a Parliamentarian whose upbringing, customs, beliefs and values differ from that of a Parliamentarian who was born elsewhere in the world. I see democracy as a mean or a tool. It is a tool of governing.

As such, I believe, it does not matter how I should handle my “tool”, be it handled left-handed or otherwise, as

long as I can produce products which are satisfactory to the end users.

To me, the definition of democracy as propounded by Abraham Lincoln is apt. It does not need any further elaboration. Simply, a democratic government is a government of the people, a democratic government is a government by the people and a democratic government is a government for the people.

Any further or additional definition to Abraham Lincoln’s definition, to my mind, must not be a definitive definition supposedly applicable to every nation that ascribes to the idea of democratic government and thus must not be mandatorily practised.

If that should be the case, one may ask, why then do some countries, which do not mandatorily practised the system of democratic government as per definition of the more developed countries, do thrives and managed to governed their country well.

And what is worth noting is that there are certain countries in this world which, in the eyes of certain world leaders, are not democratic enough. But given the “handicap” that a certain country has, i.e. as young country populated with a multiracial, multicultural and multi-reli-

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gious inhabitants, one wonders how that nation survived and thrived for the last 50 years since independence.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed, our 4th Prime Minister had this to say, when he officiated the opening of the 33rd CPA Conference held here in Kuala Lumpur, in 1987, I quote: “Malaysia is one of those countries which appreciates the friendship and understanding of Parlimentarians everywhere.We are a multiracial country. Since independence we have been trying to foster racial harmony. It is not easy.

As an example, the Malays are Muslim and eat beef but abhor pork.The Chinese are Taoist or Buddihists and eat pork.The Indians are Indus and do not take both pork and beef.Theoritically, we cannot even sit down together to eat. But we do and we do it often.This clearly demonstrates that Malaysians respect each other’s religions, customs and beliefs, are able to give and take and are also tolerant of one another.We therefore, get on reasonably well.”

These fundamental attributes, as described by Tun Dr Mahathir, are enshrined into our Constitution. And they include the liberty and equality of persons under the law, the basic freedom of speech and freedom of worship.

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The Constitution assures the right know of very well.That government your President if I do not remind you of our people to worship their own is Malaysia. If Malaysia is a multiracial, of our duties as Parliamentarians of religion, and preserve their own lanmulticultural and a multireligious the Commonwealth countries. guage and culture. Undoubtedly, free- country, and very succesful at that, so Our fundamental duty as the dom, equality and fraternity can be is CPA. elected representatives of the people is made real only through democracy; As a matter of fact the memberto ensure that our respective governand the true meaning of democracy ship of CPA is more multiracial, mulments of the day strive to develop a in my defination must be that it must ticultural and multireligious compared caring society by addressing the funhave a character like liquid, if you to the inhabitants of Malaysia. And I damental issues of poverty, equity and pour it in a glass it will shape itself dare say that CPA’s strength and suchuman development. like the glass. In another words, cess thus far is due to this diversity in In September 2000, the world’s democracy must be practised to leaders gathered at the UN suit the idiosyncrasies of the Millennium Summit, which nation it intends to serve.

MESSAGE FROM H.M. QUEEN led to the birth of the I further argue that what is ELIZABETH II, PATRON OF THE CPA Millennium Declaration.The the use of a well drafted and Declaration, which has been all-encompassing constitution, As your Patron, I take great pleasure in sending to adopted by 189 countries, if the leaders and the populace you, and all the delegates of the fifty-fourth ensures that there is a collective of that country do not adhere Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, my commitment from the family to the spirit and objective of warmest good wishes for an enjoyable and of nations under the UN with the constitution? successful meeting in Kuala Lumpur. regards to, amongst others; the We have certainly witnessed strengthening of initiatives and many nations with well drafted Your deliberations on the themes of the efforts at sustaining global constitutions but which have environment, development and security will make a peace, poverty eradication, kept on redrafting another after significant contribution to the understanding of democracy, strong governance, a political turmoil in the counthese issues, which are of vital importance to the and environmental sustainabilitry. people of the Commonwealth. I hope that your ty, in addition to promoting In spite of the negative perdiscussions will also serve to deepen still further the the principles of human digniception level against our govties of friendship and common interest which ty, equality and equity. already exist between all those Parliamentarians ernment, since independence, I would like to call to who will be attending the Conference.

Malaysia has never fundamenmemory past norms, when tally amended its constitution one talked about national ELIZABETH R. as a result of a political turmoil. security, it would mean proOur survival thus far is due to tecting the state from external the following historical facts; attacks – its boundaries, peoThat our first Prime Minister, ple, institutions and values.

Tuanku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, character. CPA is moving forward But today, national security is no who was the founding father of from strength to strength ever year, longer confined to defending one’s Malaysia’s independence, in his lifesince its inception in 1911.This is borders but also means acknowledgtime had never failed to stress the evident by the increase in its meming the legitimate concerns of ordiimportance of nurturing a multibership and the eagerness of member nary people who seek security in communal population that would countries to offer themselves to be their daily lives against the threat of thrive on peaceful co-existence. the host of the CPA’s yearly conferdisease, hunger, joblessness, crime, That our leaders of yesteryears ence. And it does not stop there. All social conflict, political repression were committed and unwavering in host countries try to out-do or outand environmental degradation; it’s their intent on building the nation shine each other. all about human security. based on solidarity in the face of a Talking about the similarities and Of utmost importance to us, the multiracial and multicultural setting. the success of both Malaysia and elected representatives of the people, We are very much the beneficiarCPA, one wonders who or which is to provide the check and balance ies of a system embraced by leaders actually copy whom? Did Malaysia such that the government of the day who were endowed with the foresight copy the way that CPA conducts itself consistently strives to develop a caring and wisdom to make the best of mul- or vice versa? Whatever your answer to society by means of addressing the tifarious communities, through mutu- this question, personally as a Member fundamental issues of poverty, equity al understanding, leading up to the of CPA and as a citizen of Malaysia I and human development. emergence of the peaceful country am doubly proud. Proud as a Member It is imperative that we do not that thrives on heterogeneous coof CPA and very proud of being a lose sight of our goal to provide for existence that we are today.

Malaysian citizen. the people and serve the people to I stand to be corrected, but my I think I have said what I wanted the best of our ability, through deeds personal observation of the CPA and and need to say as your President and and speech, through the sharing of how it conducts itself is very similar as a citizen of the host country. minds and the exchange of thoughts, to a democratic government that I However, I think I fail in my duty as as what we are into at this meeting

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and through resolute and consistent efforts, such that we uphold our role as the guardians of the universal need to be at peace with the environment, to be at the forefront of development and to be the champions of human security.

Much as we know that the road ahead is full of challenges and uncertainties, we must also have the conviction that “IMPOSSIBLE” is merely an

entry in the dictionary, but not necessarily in our vocabulary, on condition that there is a strong synergy among us in translating our intents, commitment and efforts into deliverables.

And I believe the strength of CPA lies in its fundamental principle of respect towards each other as individual Members of the association and about each other as member countries.

Lets us continue to uphold this fundamental principle by not passing negative judgements towards each other.

I wish you all the best in consolidating your thoughts and ideas into workable solutions for the betterment of our peoples and our planet. It is my sincere hope that this congregation of nations will bring about answers to challenges of the day.

Y.B Dato’ Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi, MP Prime Minister of Malaysia.

(Message read by Hon. Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd. Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak, MP, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Malaysia for the 54th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, an annual event of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

In keeping with the spirit of earlier such conferences, I hope that the discussions and presentations here will assist and contribute towards global efforts in putting forth practical solutions to the various problems and difficulties that the peoples of the world are currently facing, and in doing so, play our part in making this world more secure, peaceful and prosperous, for current and future generations.

As we are all aware, the world economy is facing serious challenges as a result of a combination of unprecedented circumstances.The price of oil has skyrocketed to levels never reached before.The price of food has increased above and beyond normal affordability and as a result, certain groups are entirely dependent on government subsidies just to get by. Compounding all of this is the fact that these problems have come to the fore in the midst of a general slowdown in the global economy.

The unprecedented hike in food prices has already had adverse consequences in some developing as well as emerging countries.

For many of the 800 million peo-

ple who are already affected by chronic hunger, higher food prices can indeed be devastating. In addition, the increasing prices of agricultural input, fertilizers for example, has become a major obstacle to the efforts of developing countries to increase food production. It is then

Hon. Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd. Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak.

hardly surprising that this is provoking social unrest and prompting short-term policy responses that risk exacerbating instability in world markets.

As such, significant increases in fuel and food prices have major implications for countries and people.

These can threaten macroeconomic stability and overall growth, especially of low-income, net-importing countries. Developing countries as a whole

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could face an increase of 33 per cent in aggregate food import bills, coming on the heels of a 13 per cent increase the year before. Over the last few weeks and months, the most discernible implications of these rises are the social unrest and food riots that have taken place in various parts of the world – the brunt of the impact is in urban areas where soaring fuel and food prices have raised an already high cost of living even higher.

There appears to be a confluence of different forces that has created the unique situation that is affecting the global food market today – from weather-related production shortfalls to the gradual reduction in food stock levels in major food exporting countries, coupled with increasing fuel costs, have all served as critical factors causing the deep shortages we face.

On the demand side, the emerging biofuels market has increased the demand for food commodities such as sugar, maize, oilseeds and palm oil as feedstock for producing biofuels, thereby affecting the supply of these food commodities as food products.

In addition, income and population growth in developing and emerging countries as well as intensifying urbanization has contributed towards changing the structure of demand for food.

Urban populations are more

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of the main options open to us is to pursue the agriculture-for-development agenda.With growing political attention focused on the widening income disparities, there is indeed significant pressure to better utilize the potential of agriculture to ensure sustainable development.

In this respect, the Government of Malaysia, through its five-year Ninth Malaysia Plan launched in 2006, has identified agriculture as our third engine of growth.

Our emphasis is on new agriculture involving large-scale commercial farming, the wider application of modern technology and the production of high quality value-added products. In this regard, our approach has also revolved around unlocking the potential in bio-technology as well as facilitating increased convergence with information and communication technology.We are also additionally committed to the participation of entrepreneurial farmers and the creation of a better skilled agricultural workforce.

Our policies and strategies are designed to expedite the transformation of the Malaysian agricultural sector into a modern, dynamic and competitive sector that can contribute to the increased production of

food commodities for domestic consumption as well as for export to the global market.

While we continue to learn from other countries, we would be more than willing to share our experiences for the benefit of our Commonwealth friends and the wider world.

It is my sincere hope that this 54th annual conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association will be both productive and stimulating, and that the association continues to play its role effectively. In these trying times, we need to emphasize the primacy of achieving co-operative and peaceful solutions that are grounded in communication, coordination, and collaboration, enabling us to find points of agreement and common ground.

I wish you well in the coming plenaries and workshops including, among others, in the areas of democracy and global peace, the global food crisis, sustainable development in the context of rapid urbanization and rural decline.

On that note, it is now my honour and privilege to officially declare the 54th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference open.

Hon. Samuel J. Sitta, MP Vice-President of the CPA and Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania.

It is for me a great honour and privilege to stand in your midst to propose a vote of thanks to H.E. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Najib bin Tun Razak, MP, the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, for his very inspiring and thought-provoking address and also for taking the time from His Excellency’s busy official engagements to inaugurate the 54th CPA Conference. Indeed your Excellency’s presence amongst so many CPA friends and colleagues from across the Commonwealth has added grace to this auspicious occasion.Your Excellency’s readiness to come over and officiate at this conference reflects your government’s

commitment to the advancement of Parliamentary democracy – which is the hallmark of our illustrious organization – the CPA. Malaysia has been a prominent member of the CPA for a long time and it is befitting that the conference should be held here at the convention centre in the capital – Kuala Lumpur. We all look forward to comprehensive and meaningful interactions and deliberations in this conference.

In his inaugural address, H.E. the Deputy Prime Minister has referred to issues that are expected to be discussed at this conference; particularly the theme of “Expanding the role

of Parliament in Global Society: Environment, Development and Security.”Your Excellency’s address has not only set the tone for our discussion but has also broadened our frontiers on this important subject.

On behalf of all of us gathered here, I would like to express our profound gratitude to H.M. Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth and Patron of the CPA, for her inspiring message to the delegates at the 54th Conference. In the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, it has been our consistent and unfailing endeavour to pursue and accomplish

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exposed to rising food prices for two reasons – the first being the fact that urban populations are more likely to consume staple foods derived from tradable commodities – and secondly, urban populations are less likely to produce a significant share of their own food or produce for sale.

In 2008, for the first time in history, the proportion of the world population living in urban areas will equal that of the rural population.

This population redistribution towards urban areas can have both positive and negative implications for the environment, social welfare and the economy, depending on how the process of urbanization is managed.

Dealing with these changes is therefore a major preoccupation of policy makers in countries across the world.

Rapid urbanization of less developed regions could be beneficial if a commensurate number of productive jobs can be generated, and if the growth of sustainable rural economic activities providing sufficient income for the rural population is simultaneously nurtured.This is important not only to sustainably manage urbanization, but also to address the widening gap between urban and rural incomes.To narrow these income disparities and reduce rural poverty, one

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Vice-President of the CPA and Speaker of the House of Representatives in Tanzania, Hon. Samuel Sitta, at the opening ceremony of the conference in Malaysia.

the noble goals and principles of the Commonwealth. The CPA conferences therefore, have been enriched

by Her Majesty’s customary messages and her message this year will no doubt set the tone for the deliberations at this conference as well.

I also take this opportunity to thank the people and the government of Malaysia for the courteous reception and generous hospitality extended to all the delegates. There are two important things which make this year’s conference unique, both to the CPA and to our hosts – the people of Malaysia. First, the conference is taking place in a setting that embodies the very true nature of the CPA - diversity.

Secondly, the timing of the conference coincides with the Hari merdeka’ (Independence Day) – the most celebrated day in Malaysia which takes place on 31 August each year. On behalf of all of us I wish this great nation a happy birthday and prosperous future. I am sure the distinguished delegates will go back to their respective countries with fond memories of this conference. Malaysia remains to all of us in the third world an inspiration and beacon for economic success and peace with diversity.

Hon.Tan Sri Dato’ Seri’ Dr Abdul

Hamid Pawanteh, MP, President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives, and President of the CPA, Hon.Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, deserve our deepest appreciation for the excellent arrangements made for the conference. On the same note, I would like to acknowledge the unfailing support, inspiration and encouragement which we have received from Hon. Hashim Abdul Halim, MLA, Chairman of the Executive Committee and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of West Bengal.

Our CPA Chairman Hon. Halim’s term of office expires at the end of this conference. We are grateful to him for his sterling efforts for having steered our association ahead in the past three years.

During his term as Chairman of the Executive Committee, Shri Halim succeeded in bringing the association closer to its diverse Members.

The visits he undertook to CPA Branches across the Commonwealth including the memorable one in my home country Tanzania in October 2007 attest to this affirmation. We wish him well and we trust we can count on his advice and quidance in the future. We thank you very much, Shri Halim.

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done by Hon. Dr William Shija, Secretary-General of the CPA, for the organization of this conference.

At this juncture it is appropriate to comment that he has made a fine start.We are grateful to the CPA Secretariat under his leadership for working round the clock to help make this important conference a success.

As we are all aware, this conference is poised to discuss global dimensions of the main theme. In particular, delegates will have an opportunity to deliberate on the following topics such as: • •

• •

•

Democracy and global peace; Sustainable development in the context of rapid urbanization and rural decline; Credible elections for more representative Parliaments; Collaboration among large and small states through international Organizations to respond to climate change; The role of Parliament in conflict prevention and resolution;

These topics together reflect the key challenges and problems that the Commonwealth and the whole world is facing at the moment.

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Moreover, conflicts and civil strife still engulf some parts of the Commonwealth especially in Africa.

We can’t overcome this pernicious situation by working in isolation.

Indeed enhanced global partnership is absolutely critical if the world is to rid itself of these disputes and return to a path of sustainable growth and development.

We Parliamentarians as the peoples’ elected representatives occupy a special position in the management of public affairs both in the international and domestic arenas. Most of our constitutions have reposed on us three onerous responsibilities: legislation, representation and oversight.

We have to ensure that governments live up to their pledges. Besides, we are duty bound to see to it that there is value for money in the various projects and programmes that governments are implementing.

We have to step up our efforts at the international level using organizations like the CPA to agitate for greater changes in the management of international affairs. In particular, we have to press for fairer world trade regime, and advocate for what the former Secretary General of the Commonwealth H.E. Don McKinon termed as generous globalization.

As Host Speaker for the 55th CPA conference in September next year, allow me to extend a warm welcome to all delegates to Tanzania, the land of Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar.

To conclude, let me once again thank H.M.The Queen for her inspiring and uplifting message, as well as H.E. Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia for officially inaugurating this conference and for sharing his precious time and wisdom with us.

The location of the CPA Annual Conference: the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia.

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As for climate change, we all bear witness to the debilitating effects of global warming and climate change. Today, no country can claim to have escaped the effects of global warming and climate change such as floods, hurricanes, rising sea levels, droughts etc, as its effects know no borders. On democracy, while most countries are on the right path to entrenching democracy and good governance we still watch with dismay, sporadic cases where reversals have occurred. We need to help these countries embrace a culture as well as values of democracy.

Another crisis the world is currently experiencing is unprecedented food shortages.This not only threatens the very existence and survival of humankind, but poses a severe challenge to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.

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54th COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians - August 2008

The role of Parliamentarians in the elimination of violence against women with a particular reference to domestic violence Moderator: Hon. Kashmala Tariq, MNA (Pakistan) Discussion Leaders: Hon. Dato’ Dr Ng Yen Yen, MP (Malaysia) Hon. Mme Charlotte L’Ecuyer, MNA (Canada) Hon. Lindiwe Maseko, MPL (South Africa) Hon. Dame Jennifer Smith, JP, DHumL, MP (Bermuda) The CWP discussion session focused on the issue of ‘The Role of Parliamentarians in Elimination of Violence Against Women with a

Particular Reference to Domestic Violence’. There was consensus that the issue of violence against women was a malaise that had devastating physical, emotional, financial and social effects on women, children, families and communities across the Commonwealth. Consequently, there was a need for Parliamentarians to play a role in protecting women’s rights and to explore the issue to increase their understanding of violence against women including, domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment and trafficking of women. The prevalence of the problem, factors

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that contribute to it and, its effects on victims had to be fully understood before Parliamentarians could develop strategies to protect and support victims of violence.

Members agreed that all Parliamentarians had a role and responsibility to ensure that greater efforts were made to improve Government and community responses to violence against women and that the issue was not viewed as a ‘women’s issue’. Members present were equally cognizant of the fact that there was an unequivocal role for female Parliamentarians to advocate on issues of violence against women.

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A group photograph of the CWP at the conference in Malaysia.

Members identified the importance of legislative reform which was informed by international law and agreements such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Platform for Action. Indeed many countries have put in place legislative prohibition on violence against women and Members agreed that it was very useful to share successful legal reform strategies as well as examples of model laws. Exchanges on the successes and failures of laws and protocols could be a valuable resource in evaluating the appropriateness of adopting a particular policy or law and to anticipate any unintended negative effects on victims of violence.

Domestic violence was also recognized as a human rights violation and not acceptable in democracies committed to the fundamental values of the Commonwealth.

The community of Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians provided a unique forum for information, advocacy and change, and it was agreed that information should be shared with the wider membership of the Association, a discussion involving both men and women should be arranged at the next Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference.

The CWP President’s View Hon. Dato’ Dr Ng Yen Yen, MP, (Malaysia) began the session by reiterating the important role and responsibility of Members of Parliament to formulate national policies that could bring change to improve the lives of citizens. In most jurisdictions, many legislative reforms have been put into place to punish acts of violence against women. According to the UN Secretary-General’s in-depth study on all forms of violence against women, by 2006, 89 States had some form of legislative prohibition on domestic violence, including 60 States with specific domestic violence laws.

Dato Ng said that violence against women was frequently relegated to being just a ‘woman’s issue’, rather than being a mainstream issue on women discussed as an item on the main agenda.

Parliamentarians needed to be engaged in the issue that was not confined to any nation, society or race and recognize that violent acts on women were found in every economy and at every strata of society.

The Minister said that efforts to end violence against women had to address men and their role as well if society wanted to resolve issues affecting women including gender

equality. There was also growing emphasis on the need to address men in ending violence against women based on the fact that men were the main perpetrators of domestic violence or violence against women. Masculine traits supported by age-old social norms and beliefs played a crucial role in perpetuating violence against women at the individual level, within families and relationships, in communities, and societies.

There were increasing trends in some countries to involve men, including male-led organizations to take up the cause of fighting violence against women. One such movement was the White Ribbon Campaign which was initiated by a group of men in Canada, and was the largest effort in the world of men working to end violence against women.

It was also vital that male Parliamentarians were involved in order for change to take place.

Therefore it was imperative that all Parliamentarians were gender sensitized so that they became sensitive towards their responsibilities and roles and were actively involved in preventing and eliminating violence against women.

Dato’ Ng emphasized that her role as a Parliamentarian and the Minister responsible for the women, family and community portfolio in

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Malaysia demanded that the issues affecting women such as violence against women, were recognized as important issues affecting the wellbeing of the whole nation by the highest legislative body.

The Malaysia Perspective In respect of measures taken by the Malaysian Government, the Minster informed delegates that incidences of violence against women in Malaysia showed an upward trend through the years which was a cause of concern for the Government.

Although violence against men numbered less, it was still of great concern and as a result, all measures taken were targeted at both men and women.

One of the early measures taken by the Malaysian Government was to review all pertinent laws to address the issue of violence against women and amending certain provisions in the existing Malaysian laws to deter the occurrence of violence against women. These included the Penal Code which addressed sexual related offences and the Domestic Violence Act, 1994. The Government also enacted a new Act, the Anti-Trafficking In Persons Act, 2007 to address the issue of

trafficking in persons including violence against women.

Dato’ Ng said that Malaysia held a strong belief that the community should also play a pivotal role in preventing violence and provide early intervention as well as support to those affected by violence. On this premise, in partnership with the civil society the national campaign on Women Against Violence (WAVe) was initiated in 2001 and re-energized in 2006 to increase community awareness about violence against women and recruit more volunteers and advocates at the community level.

The commitment by the Government to further reduce violence against women was further emphasized in the current Malaysian Ninth Development Plan (2006–2010).This included implementing awareness and training programmes relating to understanding gender roles and expectations, preventing abuse and violence, resolving conflicts and maintaining family harmony.Training to develop better skills and capabilities was provided to volunteers and personnel in agencies involved in the handling and management of domestic violence cases.

As members of the legislative bodies, she said that Members had

to take the lead role in ensuring that violence against women and the need to end it was on the policy agenda at all local, provincial and national levels, and not just an agenda in women organizations.

Parliamentarians had to initiate the creation and establishment of effective networking among governmental organizations, NGOs and international development agencies at the national as well as regional levels. Such networking could influence governments to take effective policy actions in ending violence against women.

The role of culture, social norms and practices, and religion that legitimized and exacerbated the persistence and tolerance of violence against women had to also be addressed. Men therefore played a key role if change was to be achieved in cultures and social practices that undermined women rights.

Social structures could not be changed by legal structures alone but required the restructuring of the whole social fabric by involving families, communities, workplace and social and religious organizations, as women were more at risk of experiencing violence in intimate relationships or by people they knew. Family

From left to right:The CWP Chairperson Hon. Kashmala Tariq, Hon. Lindiwe Maseko and CWP President Hon. Dato Ng Yen Yen.

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Policy Initiatives from South Africa Hon. Lindiwe Maseko, MPL, (South Africa) informed delegates that the country in the post-apartheid era, continued to be plagued by violence against women, particularly domestic violence. Although the statistics varied, they were nonetheless alarming.

A recent study of three South Africa Provinces found that one in four South African women had experienced physical violence by an intimate partner. The first piece of legislation introduced by a South African Government to deal with domestic violence was the Prevention of Family Violence Act (no. 133 of 1993) ("the PFVA").

This was replaced with the Domestic Violence Act (no. 116) ("the DVA") in 1998.

The DVA was a civil remedy and allowed a protection order to be granted to a victim of intra familial or domestic abuse against the perpetrator of the abuse. In contrast to the limited scope of the PFVA, the DVA protected married or divorced parties, individuals within same sex relationships, co-habitants, parents, dating couples, children and extended family.

The definition of domestic violence had also been broadened from physical and sexual abuse to include emotional, verbal and psychological abuse, economic abuse, damage to property, stalking, and other abuses, such as forced removal from the home.

Ms Maseko informed Members that the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS) of 1996 established crimes of violence against women and children as a national priority and a number of legislative reforms had also been instituted in this area.

These included mandatory minimum

sentences for certain rapes (the Criminal Law Amendment Act, no 105 of 1997); tightening bail conditions for those charged with rape through the Criminal Procedure Second Amendment Act (no 85 of 1997); and passing, in 1998, the Domestic Violence Act (DVA) (no.

118 of 1998). National Policy Guidelines for the Handling of Victims of Sexual Offences were also finalized in 1998 and the Policy Framework and Strategy for Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence in South Africa in 2003 (Department of Social Development, 2003).

Ms Maseko told Members that the role of Parliamentarians in enacting legislation, based on the needs of society and in efforts to protect women, was key and a first step towards combating violence.

However, sound implementation and monitoring had to succeed such legislation to ensure effectiveness and desired impact.

She added that continual advocacy against domestic violence had to take place and that changing mindsets about violence, rape and abuse did not happen instantaneously, therefore perpetrators had to be made aware of the effects and also the serious consequences faced.

Enforcing such consequences was critical, with the South African Police being a key player in this respect.

The readiness of South African Police Service (SAPS) was critical to the effectiveness of the DVA. Challenges around South Africa on readiness included: station orders not properly compiled or not done at all; victims of domestic violence being sent back to the police stations by court officials to obtain protection orders, and protection orders not being served due to a lack of transport. Many Sheriffs refused to assist the police with the serving of the protection orders.

Lack of shelters for abused women was one of the major problems that the police had to deal with when handling domestic violence cases.

SAPS members still needed further training on how to handle domestic violence cases.

In her concluding comments, Ms Maseko said that the public had a right to hold the state accountable

for implementation of these Acts, and as part of oversight Parliamentarians had to ensure that these Acts were satisfactorily accomplished. Reports from the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) and SAPS, had to not only be requested, but also be tabled before parliament.Very few reports, according to IDC and SAPS, were tabled, hence Parliament’s failure in exercising its statutory oversight function.

Bermuda’s approach to dealing with Domestic Violence Hon. Dame Jennifer Smith, JP, MP, JP, DHumL, MP, (Bermuda) informed Members that there had been over 600 reported cases of domestic violence since 1996. However, the real figure was likely to be twice that since many domestic violence cases went unreported. From the first recorded death in the 1800’s until 2003 there had been a total of 21 deaths (19 of which were women) in Bermuda.

Ms Smith said that while it was known that women were predominantly the victims of domestic violence, Bermuda’s legislation was nongender-specific and could be viewed therefore as progressive. It was targeted towards both men and women as there was recognition that although abuse against men was the exception, men could also be victims.

Bermuda’s legislation provided an immediate response to domestic violence victims at the time of a crisis.

Victims (of actual violence, threats, or harassment) did not have to leave their residence to protect themselves, and the Courts were empowered to impose a restraining order on the offending person which prevented them from coming into contact with the victim at home, within a defined perimeter, as well as on certain streets or in certain places.

She also informed Members that the Criminal Code Act 1907 provided for a number of other offences including assault, sexual assault, murder and manslaughter as they related to all persons. However, some offences referred specifically to women and girls. These included: Carnal knowledge of a girl under 14 years of age; Intercourse with a defective, and exercising control

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and community members including religious leaders played a critical role in bringing the problem of domestic violence into the open and it was only through their participation and support against domestic violence, that any effective progress could be made. Hence, the role as Parliamentarians had to include initiating change at these different levels including engaging all community and religious leaders.

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over woman or girl with a view to her prostitution.

The Domestic Violence (Protection) Order Act 1997 provided protective orders to a person who had, a domestic relationship in which there was physical, sexual, or psychological abuse (including harassment); or threats of abuse, by restricting the behaviour of the person committing the abuse.This Act was not genderspecific.

The Stalking Act 1997 provided protective orders for a person who was being stalked in cases where the stalking was causing them physical or

was considered as sexual abuse and bullying and as a form of illegal discrimination.The Government was committed to preventing sexual harassment in the workplace embedding the legislation under the Human Rights Act. Dame Smith reported a recently enacted Act,The Seniors Abuse Register Act 2008, which provided for the protection of seniors by making it an offence to physically abuse (including neglect), sexually abuse, psychologically abuse or financially exploit a senior, and gave the Court the power to order the name of any-

From left to right: Hon. Mme Charlotte L’Ecuyer, Ms Myrna Driedger, Hon. Yasmine Ratansi and Hon. Karyn Paluzzano.

mental harm, apprehension or fear for their safety or the safety of someone connected to them.

Section 9A of the Matrimonial Proceedings (Magistrates Court) Act 1974 provided protective orders for any party to a marriage who had been molested by the other party (or by someone incited to do so by the other party). It also provided an ‘expedited order’ if the person was in imminent danger of physical injury.

This section applied to a husband and wife living in the same household as well as to former spouses.

Section 9C provided for arrest in the case of breach of a Section 9A Order where the defendant had caused actual bodily harm to the other party to the marriage and was likely to do so again.

In Bermuda, sexual harassment

one convicted of such an offence to be entered in the Senior Abuse Register.

In conclusion, she said that like most other community issues in Bermuda, the fight against Domestic Violence was a multi-pronged approach involving both the private sector and the public sector.The Government of Bermuda provided funds, by way of a grant, to the Women’s Resource Centre and the Physical Abuse Centre. In addition, the police had a specially-trained unit which responds to such calls.

The Role of Canadian Parliamentarians Hon. Charlottee L’Ecuyer, MLA, (Canada), began her talk reiterating the significant role played by Parliamentarians in combating vio-

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lence against women and domestic violence by raising awareness, enacting legislation and changing societal norms.

Though there was no universally accepted definition of violence against women, the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women defined violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.”

Domestic violence or spousal abuse, Hon. L’Ecuyer explained, could be defined as any form of physical, psychological, or sexual violence against one’s current or former spouse, common-law or other intimate partner.

Though domestic violence was most often committed by men against women, it also occurred in same sex partnerships, as well as being perpetrated by women against men.

In Canada, six per cent of males reported having experienced some form of spousal abuse in a current or previous relationship over the past five years.

The 2004 General Social Survey conducted by Statistics Canada reported that seven per cent of Canadian women had experienced spousal violence in a current or previous relationship over the past five years, and in 2002, women accounted for 85 per cent of all police reported victims of spousal violence.

Aboriginal women in Canada were particularly at risk and were three times more likely than nonAboriginal women to report having been assaulted by a current or former spouse. Further, the spousal homicide rate for Aboriginal women was more than eight times the rate for nonAboriginal women.

Ms L’Ecuyer advocated the need for Parliamentarians to first understand the roots causes in order to develop appropriate responses towards domestic abuse against women.

Research suggested that the imbalance of power between men and women was rooted in cultural, economic, legal and political realities. For example, cultural norms, such as the

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in increasing the likelihood of domestic abuse.

Canadian Parliamentarians responded to this deeply rooted and multi-faceted problem by promoting women’s rights and raising awareness of domestic abuse and violence against women.This had often been done through parliamentary committee work. In 1991, the House of Commons Subcommittee on the Status of Women produced a report on violence against women with 24 recommendations, including the establishment of a national violence prevention campaign, as well as mandatory gender sensitivity training for the criminal justice system. In

The Parliament of Canada also introduced legislation to address domestic violence. Due to its relationship to domestic abuse and violence against women, the Parliament of Canada amended the Criminal Code to include stalking as a criminal offence. In 2002, the penalty for stalking, or criminal harassment was raised from five to ten years in prison. That same year, the Parliament of Canada further amended the Criminal Code to strengthen sentencing provisions, requiring the courts take into account the abuse of a spouse or child as an aggravating factor in sentencing.

From left: Hon. Gifty Kusi, Hon. Lindiwe Maseko, Hon. Rosemarie Seninde, Hon. Connie Seoposengwe, Hon. Rev. Violet Sampa-Brent, Hon. Dato’ Ng Yen Yen, Hon. Moggie Mbaakanyi and Hon. Asser Kuveri Kapere.

economic independence had also been shown to increase the likelihood of violence against women.

Some men were threatened by women’s participation in the labour force, as it challenged their traditional role as head of the household. In turn, some men responded to their seeming lack of power with violence and aggression towards their partners.

Researchers found that individual factors such as drug or alcohol addiction or previous experiences of violence in childhood also played a role

2004, the Standing Committee on the Status of Women was struck for the first time to examine gender equality issues, including the persistence of violence against women in Canadian society.

Ms L’Ecuyer said that individual Parliamentarians had also served as champions of women’s rights and issues. In Canada, Senator Muriel McQueen Fergusson had been a tireless activist on behalf of women’s rights and victims of domestic violence.

These changes to the Criminal Code were intended to send a clear message to the Canadian public that domestic violence was a serious crime and not merely a private family matter.

Canadian Parliamentarians had also worked towards promoting best practices among law enforcement agencies with respect to spousal abuse.

On 8 July 1982, the House of Commons unanimously adopted a motion that “Parliament encouraged

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belief in the inherent superiority of men, had resulted in men having control over economic resources within and outside the household.

Economic dependence in turn left women vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, while simultaneously preventing them from having the resources necessary to leave abusive situations.This situation was then perpetuated by divorce and child custody laws that did not take into account the economic barriers faced by women, or legal frameworks that did not recognize domestic violence as a crime.

Conversely, Ms L’Ecuyer explained that women’s increasing

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all Canadian police forces to establish a practice of having the police regularly lay charges in instances of wife beating, as they are inclined to do with any other case of common assault.”

In 1988, the Government had launched the Family Violence Initiative, a long-term, comprehensive interdepartmental strategy to address the social, economic, juridical, and health dimensions of family violence.

The initiative received $7 million per year in permanent annual funding.

One of its key achievements was the creation of the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence (NCFV), a national resource centre for information on violence within the family. It provided a centralized and comprehensive reference, referral and distribution service for information on aspects of family violence prevention, protection and treatment.

To address the high rates of racialized and sexualized violence against Aboriginal women, the Government of Canada announced in 2005 that it would provide $5 million in funding over five years for Sisters in Spirit, a campaign aimed at raising awareness about violence against Aboriginal women.

As Canada was a federal state, provincial governments also played a role in addressing domestic violence.

While Parliament had the constitutional authority to legislate in the area of criminal law, provincial and territorial governments were responsible for ensuring the enforcement of Canada’s Criminal Code, as well as providing support services to victims of domestic violence.

As a result, provinces and territories had adopted civil legislation to address domestic violence, as well as developed their own preventative strategies.

Closing her discussion, Ms L’Ecuyer said that violence against women and domestic violence remained an ongoing concern, with more than three-quarters of Canadians stating that family violence had to be an urgent priority for the federal Government. Particular challenges included addressing the needs of specific populations groups affected by domestic violence, including immigrants and Aboriginals.

Getting women involved In the plenary discussion which followed, Sen. the Hon. Dr Rosemarie Husbands-Mathurin, President of the Senate, St. Lucia, spoke of the challenges of organizing a meeting on violence against women as women were reluctant to come forward. She asked if there were examples of how conferences have been organized and funds raised elsewhere in the Commonwealth.

Hon. Rosemarie Seninde, MP, (Uganda) responded that without gender sensitization and economic empowerment of women, violence against women would be perpetual.

She added that cultural expectations made many women reluctant to step forward and address the problem of domestic violence. Parliamentarians therefore had a key responsibility to ensure that the voices of women along with the children facing violence were also protected.

Hon. Betty Williams, MP, (United Kingdom) asked whether the recent incest case in Austria – where a father imprisoned his daughter for 24 years and fathered seven of her children – could have been prevented had suitable legislation been in place. Ms Maseko said that where there were known cases of domestic violence, ANC Women’s League assisted women to help take cases to court to ensure that the perpetrators were prosecuted.

Hon. Francois Labelle, MP, Mauritius, reminded Members that both women and men were victims of domestic violence and advocated that Parliamentarians had to be strong advocates for changes in behaviour and added that skills such as ‘non violent communication’ should be introduced in schools.

Hon.Yasmine Ratansi, MP, (Canada), stated that the issue of violence against women was one of great concern to Canadians.

Assisted by the work of the Committee, the Minister responsible for the Status of Women has made the reduction of violence directed towards women, particularly Aboriginal women a key priority.

Ms Ratansi concluded that Members of Parliament could make a real contribution towards helping handle the issue of violence against women.

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Baroness Gardner of Parkes (United Kingdom) said that the more debate on violence against women, the more transparent the issues would become.

Dame Smith reminded Members that legislation alone was not enough to eliminate violence against women.

In Bermuda a programme initiative for batterers had been developed in partnership with a private sector agency. As this programme was predominantly run by men for men, it thus targeted the real forces for change.

In closing Hon. Kashmala Tariq, MNA (Pakistan) and Chairperson of the CWP in conclusion suggested the subject of violence against women be included on the agenda for the next conference for discussion by both women and men.

She added that Pakistani Parliamentarians had been successful in amending the Hudood Ordinances – a set of laws that, among other things, criminalized adultery and non-marital sex, including rape – which were enacted in 1979 and led to thousands of women being imprisoned for so-called ‘honour’ crimes.

While the legislation was now in place, the implementation remained the greatest challenge.

The Chairperson said she was greatly encouraged by the many useful examples of legislation and policy initiatives shared between Members. Whilst partnership between women and men was very important, so was the crucial work of female Parliamentarians who took up the initiative to bring issues related to violence against women to the fore.

In many jurisdictions the subject remained unmentionable making the role of Parliamentarians in raising the matter for debate critical.

This could be either through inducing Private Members Bills or through the work carried out by parliamentary committees.

Members highlighted the need to take into account the rights and needs of children, the problems of trafficking of women and also the importance of the economic empowerment of women.

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28th SMALL BRANCHES CONFERENCE Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 1st Session - 3 August 2008

Protecting the environment: Water and waste management in sustainable development

Chairperson: Ms Karin MacDonald, MLA (Australia Capital Territory) Discussion Leaders: Hon. Greg Hall, MLC (Tasmania) Hon. Neletha Butterfield, JP, MP (Bermuda) Sen. Charles Swan (Bermuda) Deputy Carla McNulty Bauer (Guernsey) Sen. James Perchard (Jersey) Delegates who attended the 28th Small Branches Conference agreed that small states needed to take appropriate measures, through plan-

ning and the enactment of appropriate legislation, to manage and protect their water resources and to deal with waste in an appropriate manner.The need to protect water resources, which might already be sparse in some small states, was particularly important in the light of ongoing concerns about climate change.

The first discussion leader, Hon. Greg Hall, MLC, (Tasmania) explained how water supply issues had been at the forefront of Tasmanian political debate for many decades. Agriculture was a very significant element of the Tasmanian economy accounting for 16 per cent

of the Gross State Product and 20 per cent of jobs.Tasmania recognized that without reliable water supplies it would be impossible to sustain a high quality agricultural production and it was therefore important to Tasmania that these issues be addressed as a high priority.

Mr Hall explained that, although Tasmania received a higher percentage of rainfall than the rest of Australia, the distribution of water in the Island was far from equal.

Many communities in Tasmania were currently suffering a lack of water during one of the worst droughts in recent years and this had

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that there were a number of impediments, particularly economic ones, to the effective management of waste in Tasmania. It was therefore believed that a State Waste Levy might be an appropriate way forward as this could reduce the desirability of landfill as a waste disposal method.

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Ms Karin MacDonald, MLA.

led to considerable difficulties for agriculture in the midlands and south eastern corner in particular.

He outlined that there had been plans since the early 1800’s to provide reliable water supplies in Tasmania.

Various schemes had been considered although it was not until the establishment of the Rivers and Water Supply Commission in 1957, that some of the grand ideas of earlier times came to fruition. Because of the recent drought, there had been considerable focus on ‘drought proofing’Tasmania and this had been a priority of the current government when elected in 1998. As a result, the government had developed a Water Plan which involved the assessment of many proposed sites, a number of which had subsequently been shown to be unsuitable.

To date, the only successfully completed project was the Meander Dam which had a storage capacity of 43,000 mega litres and provided some 24,000 mega litres of irrigation water to farmers every year.The government of Tasmania now wished to

implement a number of new projects to secure the sustainable future of agriculture in Tasmania.These projects include a number of pipelines and dams which, once installed, would increase the irrigation water supplies by over 250,000 mega litres every year.The government of Tasmania was conscious that there was significant potential for a growth in the agricultural industry in the island particularly if the predictions of a drier future for major farming areas in Victoria and New South Wales were realized.

Mr Hall explained to delegates the Tasmanian approach to waste management issues. He explained that, in common with many other jurisdictions, awareness of waste management issues in Tasmania was increasing even though, at present, waste diversion rates were only half of the Australian average.There was therefore a significant role for the state government to play in the encouraging of adoption waste minimization and recycling in the Tasmanian community. It was noted

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Managing waste in Bermuda The second discussion leader Hon. D. Neletha Butterfield, JP, MP (Bermuda), informed delegates that Bermuda had produced its first State of the Environment report in 2005.

This report had set out the state of the island’s environmental health and had covered the topics of water and waste management.

Delegates were informed that Bermuda was a sub tropical island where the oceans imposed a moderating influence. It was located in an area that was occasionally affected by the passage of hurricanes in late summer and early autumn when the sea temperatures were at their highest, making the island vulnerable to the effects of global warming as any significant rise in sea level in the North Atlantic could threaten to inundate certain coastal areas including the international Airport.

She said that fresh water was a limited resource that had to be carefully managed to protect its quality and to ensure an adequate supply for Bermuda.

Two principal sources of water existed at present, namely rainwater that was harvested and groundwater extracted from underground lenses.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Bermuda’s architectural heritage was the white washed water catchments on roofs with the associated storage tanks.These rainwater catchments had traditionally been used by Bermuda residents as the principal source of potable water because the Island had no rivers or lakes. In addition some 3,500 households abstracted supplementary water from private wells for non-drinking purposes.

Bermuda had also recently developed a sea water treatment facility which, once operational, would be capable of producing 500,000 gallons per day through a reverse osmosis process.

In relation to waste management Hon. Butterfield explained that

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(i) Sustaining Our Communities (ii) Living Within Our Limits (iii) A Strong and Inclusive Economy (iv) Transforming the Public Sector, and (v) Protecting the Environment and Natural Resources.

He added that Bermuda’s strong economy and relative affluence placed particular pressures on the environment of the small Island, leading the government to make a number of

commitments under the Sustainable Development Plan to minimize the environmental impact of the strong economy.

In response to questions from delegates, the Bermuda representatives explained how measures had been put in place in Bermuda to lessen the impact of vehicles. It was reported that the government encouraged the use of buses for school traffic and free bus travel for school children and senior citizens had been introduced. In addition, fast ferries had been introduced to transport residents between different parts of Bermuda by sea and thereby to reduce the amount of vehicles on the road. Each residential unit in the island had also been given an assessment number and it was not possible to license a car without one.

Deputy Carla McNulty Bauer, (Guernsey) outlined how Guernsey – a small island of 24 square miles with 60,000 residents – managed its water resources.

When the local water supply company had been established in the late 19th Century, it had originally used wells but in the 1920s it was recognized that greater storage capacity was needed and the first reservoir was built in 1947.

In response to demand in the 1960’s a desalination plant was established but it became clear after several years it was not economically viable to operate the plant.The island had therefore adopted an innovative solution to water storage through the use of former granite quarries which had been dug in the past and had left large holes – perfectly suited for water storage.

The island now used 14 such exhausted granite quarries as water reservoirs.

Ms McNulty Bower said that because Guernsey had little underground water storage, it was necessary for rainfall to be collected. Despite an annual average rainfall of some 823 millimetres, much of this had evaporated, which resulted in a series of pumping stations being developed in an attempt to capture rainfall for the storage facilities.

Guernsey Water policed the catchment areas and exercised pollution control legislation to ensure that water supplies were protected.Water in Guernsey was treated by traditional sieving and filtration methods but also through an innovative use of mem-

brane tubes where impurities where left on the outside of the tubes. In addition, floating reed beds were used in reservoirs to purify the water.As a result of the measures taken, some 99.7 per cent of water samples leveled with the highest EU standards.

She stressed that people had to be encouraged to drink tap water rather than bottled to reduce the associated waste problem of disposing plastic bottles. In addition, Guernsey Water encouraged consumers to use water wisely and to use metering, which saved between 10 and 15 per cent compared with un-metered water.

Describing the situation in his country, Hon.Tolufuaivalelei Falemoe Leiataua, MP (Samoa), said that there were four main islands in Samoa, and although some areas were self sufficient in water supply through rivers and lakes, the government was ensuring that clean water was available throughout the country.

In addition, the government was trying to encourage villagers to use water for hydro-electric purposes and new legislation ensured that all water was controlled by the government to ensure its protection. Hon.Aloysius Amwano, MP (Nauru), reported that Nauru – a small island of only 12 square miles with no rivers – was currently considering the use of former phosphate mines as water storage in a similar way to the Guernsey quarries.

The only problem with this however was the concern about pollution from cadmium in the mines, which would need to be carefully decontaminated and sealed before they could be used.

The final discussion leader, Sen. James Perchard (Jersey) set out the island’s approach to protecting its environment.

As a small community of around 89,300 people, it was geographically remote and therefore reliant on its own natural resources. Jersey had recently brought into force new legislation to manage both water and waste to ensure that the island could underpin its strong economic success with increasing levels of environmental sustainability.

Sen. Perchard detailed how the protection of water resources was of fundamental importance, given that all fresh water in Jersey derived from precipitation and there was no alternative supply.

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Bermuda currently had a comprehensive waste management system that processed and disposed of waste in a mostly environmentally sound manner.

A new recycling plant had been opened in 2007 and there were plans for an in-vessel plant for composting horticultural waste together with plans for scrap metal to be shipped overseas for recycling. In addition there were plans for a new stream for the island’s waste incinerator to dispose of residual waste that could not be recycled.

In relation to waste water, delegates were notified that the majority of households in Bermuda continued to discharge their waste water into cesspits. In addition some effluent was discharged to the sea from urban areas and large hotels following preliminary treatment. Other sewage was treated at a primary level in a septic tank and then discharged into deep sealed boreholes. Appropriate controls were in place to ensure that ground water was not polluted from waste water constituents.

Sen. Charles Swan (Bermuda) explained how Bermuda had developed a Sustainable Development Strategy that was now being implemented. He explained that the Bermuda government had initially retained the services of a sustainable development consultant from the U.K to lead a local project team.

Extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders had taken place and the first draft had been prepared in 2005. A Sustainable Development Unit had been established in the Cabinet Office in 2006 and the draft plan circulated for public consultation for about a year before the final version was approved in 2008. Senator Swan described how the Bermuda Plan was built around five themes.

These were:

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A government sponsored project in 2007 had determined once and for all that there were no underground aquifers connecting Jersey to mainland Europe.This would mean that if Jersey’s water became polluted, the effects would be very far reaching.

Jersey had therefore put in place the Water Pollution (Jersey) Law 2000, which allowed for the control of pollution to Jersey’s waters up to the 12 mile marine limit.The Bill allowed Jersey to uphold its obligations under the OSPAR Convention and allowed the Environmental Protection Department to monitor waters.The island authorities were able to grant discharge permits to industrial or domestic users and there were some 800 of these permits in place.This enabled the island to place limits on discharges of potentially polluting substances and meant that any breach could be punishable.

There had been 12 successful prosecutions for serious incidents and even two government departments had been prosecuted in recent years for pollution incidents.

The second major piece of water related legislation implemented in Jersey was the Water Resources (Jersey) Law 2007, which was designed to protect, manage and regulate water resources. Jersey also employed a local hydrogeologist to help implement the Bill.

It was hoped that the Law would help Jersey have a better understanding and control of its water resources and ensure they were adequately protected and equitably shared.

Sen. Perchard also described the

measures which had been taken in relation to waste management. He explained that Jersey’s waste strategy had been in place since 2005 and it was based on a waste hierarchy where prevention, minimization, re-use and re-cycling took precedence over energy recovery from low value or non recyclable waste.

Jersey had initiated a curbside collection of recyclables and it was hoped that this could soon be extended to the whole Island. As recycling could not deal with all of the Island’s waste, it was recently agreed that a new Energy from Waste facility be constructed to recover energy efficiently from non recycled waste. Jersey had a particular problem with hazardous waste as it was a small Island, and had little choice but to export hazardous waste, which had been done in accordance with the requirements of the Basel Convention.

The island had therefore approved the Waste Management (Jersey) Law 2005 which regulated the movement of hazardous wastes within the island and the licensing of waste management facilities. In addition, it controlled the transboundary movements of hazardous wastes to and from Jersey and, now that the legislation was in place, Jersey would soon be in a position to export hazardous waste to the U.K for an environmentally sound disposal.

He concluded his presentation by stating that the combination of the three major pieces of legislation helped Jersey to develop a more environmentally sustainable manner than

Hon. David Carty, MLA, of Anguilla.

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had previously been possible and this would assist the States of Jersey to fulfill its policy of becoming involved only in “development which met the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

In the Falkland Islands, Hon. Richard Cockwell, MP (Falkland Islands), informed delegates that it had a considerable problem with waste from fishing vessels. Under the terms of the MARPOL convention, the islands were obliged to receive waste from ships and the significant volume of waste landed on the islands from fishing vessels, which caused significant concern for the island’s authorities.

Hon. David Carty (Anguilla) stated that although politicians often referred to ‘sustainable development’ he argued that the real problem that was facing the world was climate change, which should not be overlooked. He asked what would happen to small communities such as Bermuda and his own island of Anguilla if climate changed seriously affected the amount of rainfall that could be collected.

He felt strongly that small jurisdictions needed access to technology so that they could find means of increasing water supply in the face of rising population. He pointed out that the reverse osmosis process of desalination required huge amounts of energy which would simply be a further contributing feature to climate change.

In response Ms Janet Strachan from the Commonwealth Secretariat pointed out that small states were most vulnerable to the impact of climate change but only represented a very small part in the cause of the problem. In order to access technology, small states required a shared approach and the Lake Victoria Action Plan from the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting had a number of action points to address this issue.

In conclusion delegates at the plenary session recognized that the protection of water resources was of fundamental importance for small territories and it was therefore essential for appropriate planning and regulation to be put in place to achieve this objective.

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28th SMALL BRANCHES CONFERENCE Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2nd Session - 3 August 2008

Dealing with conflicts of interest and corruption in small countries

Chairperson: Mr Alex Downie, MHK (Isle of Man) Discussants: Hon. Elvis Harrigan, MLA (British Virgin Islands) Hon. Ibrahim Shaheed Zakir, MP (Maldives) Mr Mitchell O’Brien (World Bank Institute) Mr Alex Downie, MHK, (Isle of Man) opened the session and cited that very insightful papers had been produced by the various International organizations which were not only timely but also raised important issues about the discussion.

Hon. Elvis Harrigan, MLA, (British Virgin Islands) initiated the discussion by addressing the issue of conflict of interest, which he defined as a conflict of interest between a person’s interests as a

public servant and his interests as a private citizen. He said that over time there had been a move towards greater transparency and accountability, in which the expectations of the duties of politicians and public officials had been subject to this development. Due to this this, he argued that the failure to address civil servants and politicians abusing their positions, ultimately threatened any progress in sustaining development.

Mr Harrigan turned his attention to corruption and expressed that it was used by public office for private gain. It was corruption as it was typically practiced in secret and by willing partners, making it difficult to measure and identify. As a consequence, the lack of prosecution or inability to prosecute did not translate into absence of corruption.

Who are the losers?

The economic cost of corruption was mostly felt by the vulnerable in society.

Mr Harrigan noted that Transparency International estimated that five percent of public budgets often did not find their target.

This was best represented by vulnerable groups paying the price through cuts in spending on healthcare, education, public services and increased taxation.

Corruption, he reiterated, “tugged at the lifeline” of his country and threatened the collapse of its architecture. Offshore banking was a main source of revenue, but corruption in the form of money laundering and the pressure from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) jeopardized this revenue earner for the islands.

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As a measure to combat corruption, he cited the constant update and review of financial services legislation of the B.V.I. Despite reform of the public sector driven by the World Bank, IMF and OECD in the fight against corruption, an efficient, accountable, adequately paid and well-motivated civil service, he argued, was also an essential weapon.

Interventions Sen. James Perchand (Jersey), spoke about the similarity in the offshore jurisdictions of both Jersey and the B.V.I, and asked whether governments possessed sufficient knowledge and information to combat financial crime if Members had to be distant from that business. Mr Harrigan responded that there was a compliance officer in place who was isolated from the politicians but given the necessary tools get the job done.

Hon. Neletha Butterfield, MP, (Bermuda) queried whether the BVI was a member of the CARIBBEAN FINANCIAL ACTION TASK FORCE and whether there was an AuditorGeneral. Mr Harrigan answered that the regulator was working closely with all those organizations providing full co-operation.

Hon. Michael Carrington, MP (Barbados), asked whether there was a Register of Members’ interest Act. Mr Harrigan detailed the requirements for Members and their spouses to declare assets as well as gifts over one hundred dollars. He further stated that the Register of interests was confidential and could only be opened by the House of Assembly.

Mr Arthur Robinson, MLC (Turks and Caicos), inquired about whether there was integrity legislation in place for politicians and persons in public life. Mr Harrigan responded that the Act covered only elected members at the present time.

In answer to questions regarding the existence of laws to prosecute individuals guilty of corruption, Mr Harrigan stated that there had always been laws in place to deal with corruption, but given the close relationships, corruption and conflict of interests had been difficult to detect.

Hon. Joseph Meade, MLC, (Montserrat) raised the point that politicians were for the most part businessmen and with their advent into elective politics, used their office to advance their business interests.

Mr Harrigan stated that politicians in the BVI could not sign contracts but acknowledged that it was a difficult area to police and noted that it was a continual fight.

The second speaker, Mr Ibrahim Zakir, MP, (Maldives) defined conflict of interest essentially as the exploitation of public position for private gain. Referring to the situation in the Maldives, he reported that the country was currently undergoing a transformation of its system of governance and was therefore grappling with the challenges that accompanied such a transformation. He cited the existence of a highly autocratic system of governance in the Maldives, a system which in his view, created the conditions for corruption to flourish.

Informing delegates that the President had been in power for some thirty years, Mr Zakir quoted the statement of Lord Acton that “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. He argued that the power of the President was the centralization of political power, which he believed was the fertile ground on which corruption found its sustenance.

Suggesting that an absence of freedom of information exacerbated an already difficult situation, Mr Zakir also welcomed the new constitution which he said was in the ratification stages as a fundamental instrument to tackle corruption. The new constitution with its emphasis on the separation of powers promised to usher in a new era of good governance.

He listed five instances for the revision of anti-corruption, embodying the five universal tenets of good governance as; 1

2 3

Establishing procedures to distinguish between private and public interests Providing mechanisms to disclose private interests Indentifying which private

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interests are incompatible with decision making in the public interest 4 Establishing procedures to exclude such interests in the decision making process; and 5 Creating procedures for resolving allegations of conflict of interest He conceded that combating corruption was easier than dealing with conflict of interest and there was an urgent need to devise a system to manage conflict of interest with respect to public officials.

Hon. Arthur Robinson, MP (Turks and Caicos) questioned how difficult it would be for Parliament to modify existing laws that would essentially imprison corrupt politicians. Mr Zakir responded that the approval of the new constitution and the emergence of a strong Parliament would pave the way for this to happen.

A Samoan delegate lamented the fact that there was no presentation from the Pacific region on this topic and asked whether that represented a view that corruption did not exist in the Pacific states.

Mr Zakir said that when he was elected in 2000, there were no political parties and according to law he could wear two hats. In addition, there were no opposition parties and people expressed themselves through their elected representatives.

Ms Karin Macdonald, MLA (Australian Capital Territory) praised the development in the Maldives and acknowledged the difficulty in a country’s transitioning to democracy. She questioned however the tenure of the President and how he had achieved political office.

Mr Zakir responded that the president had been the longest serving president in Asia and he hoped a populist leader would emerge one day.

Mr Carrington, noted that the discussion had so far pointed to a clear link of abuse of power and the governing party. He suggested that a closer look be taken of the constitution of the territories, which were placed in the hands of the Prime Minister/President. He elaborated that the problem could have rested with the constitutional arrangement that vested all power in one individual.

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Conflicts of Interest

Hon. Elvis Harrigan, MLA, of the British Virgin Islands.

Mr Zakir agreed, but maintained that focusing on transparency and accountability would be achieved with the adoption of a new constitution.

Sen. Perchand suggested that ensuring a media that was free and sufficiently resourced was the answer, but this was quickly rebuffed by Mr Zakir, who informed that this was not the case given the president’s influence over the media.

Mr Mitchell O’Brien from the Parliamentary Strengthening Programme of the World Bank Institute, traced the historical approach to corruption as a developmental issue. In the initial stages, corruption was on the periphery of international development, and development practitioners, he argued, skirted the issue and did not consider corruption as an impediment to development.

New research had begun to recalibrate the work between corruption and development, which revealed little evidence of higher incomes in a country leading better governance.

Corruption, Mr. O’Brien argued, at its root flourished in conditions of poverty and weak public institutions and had a debilitating effect on economic growth. He listed unsound policies, distorted public expenditure driven by vested interests rather than sound policy choices and inefficient allocation of resources among others.

He suggested that parliament had to lead the fight against corruption and that people looked to their elected representatives to protect their interest.

Parliament had to tackle corruption by focusing on its three limbs.

These were: 1.

Turning Point Mr O’Brien suggested that the 1996 annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank ushered in a new approach to corruption, as it was the president who placed the issue of corruption on the front burner of developmental issues. It was this new focus which triggered the launch and expansion of anti-corruption initiatives.

2.

3.

Its law making facility that is by the creating the legal framework to prevent corruption.

Parliament can also put brakes on corruption by holding the government accountable.

Representation- a combination of public deliberation and consensus building within parliament as well as the engagement of citizens on matters of public policy.

Conflict of Interest Mr O’Brien deduced that corruption was often a symptom of deeper institutional weakness, and to reduce corruption it was critical to eliminate conditions that favored the existence of corrupt practices and other forms of conduct. Parliament could counter this by developing a code of conduct/ethics.

The adoption of an ethics regime was twofold – an enforced ethics regime could improve ethical standards and performance of elected offices as well as regain the public’s confidence.

Codes of conducts on the other hand were quite different, as they were executive or legislatively defined orders with enforceable standards with attaching sanctions for violations.

Mr O’Brien emphasized that a code of conduct was a formal document intended to promote a political culture, which placed emphasis on the propriety, correctness, transparency and honesty or Parliamentarians’ behaviour.

Codes of conduct also sought to impose restrictions while Parliamentarians were in office and some even after Parliamentarians’ tenure in office.

He reiterated that a code of con-

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duct was effective when the following pre-conditions were present: 1. When individuals for whom the code intended to regulate share the same attitude and values; 2. When those individuals have a shared view of what problems the code is to supposed to eliminate; 3. Parliamentarians have a shared view of how those problems can be eliminated.

Mr. O’Brien concluded that the campaign’s success was relied upon the attitudes of Parliamentarians.

Referring to an earlier comment, Mr Carrington asked whether the World Bank was examining the view that downgrading Parliamentarians’ salary was the key to eradicating corruption.

Mr O’Brien responded that the World Bank was researching this issue but hinted that corruption indicators were no lower when Parliamentarians received a higher wage.

Citing the example of the European Parliament, Mr George Payne, MP, (Barbados) queried whether the instances of corruption were any different, to which Mr. O’Brien said that corruption was “a silent killer to the development procurement process”.

Hon David Connor, MHK, (Isle of Man) highlighted an incident where the Auditor General was sacked after being found guilty of corruption. Mr O’Brien deferred a specific response but asserted that the World Bank Institute and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association had benchmarks for the operation of the Auditor General in question.

Deputy Bob Hill (Jersey) questioned what code of ethics was conducted by the World Bank and whether it had ethical practices or processes within the banks themselves.

Mr O’Brien stated that the World Bank had capacity building capabilities, but encountered problems when granting loans via other organizations. He indicated that the Bank was looking at a roster of organizations with a view to blacklisting those which created problems.

Mr Carrington, MP, suggested that the focus should be placed on the nature of humans and the environment which led to corruption.

Ministers had a lot of discretion and he pressed that it was time for them to work together in reducing corruption.

Mr O’Brien agreed that this was an excellent point, but conceded however that it was hard to measure and one needed to examine the processes and intangibles. It was agreed by all that there was a need for greater transparency.

Hon. Jeffrey P. Orlando, MP (Malta) advocated that Parliamentarians accused of corruption had to present themselves before the judicial system.

Mr O’Brien said that this was a decision best left to Parliament as it could impact on the doctrine of separation of powers. He further suggested that a code of conduct passed by Parliament might be effective and that the creation of an independent commission might offer more transparency. He, however, conceded that in any case it might be difficult.

Mr Orlando reiterated that by appearing before the judicial system, Parliamentarians would create a environment for greater transparency and a greater level of trust. Mr O’Brien concurred but noted it was a “tight rope for the Parliamentarian to walk”. There was no clear cut answer and the World Bank was still grappling with what was the best solution.

A Samoan delegate congratulated Mr O’Brien on his presentation and said that this comparison and analysis between small states and bigger parliaments was ironic, given that the root of the problem started with big parliaments.

Mr O’Brien answered that each Parliament had to decide what was applicable, as no identical code of conduct could be applied to every Parliament. It was up to the individual Parliaments to craft their own solution and the World Bank would not superimpose their findings on any particular one.

He reiterated that there were differences between the Small and OECD Parliaments and the code of conduct did not have to be static.

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Mr Robinson queried whether the World Bank had a strategy for proposing amendments to combat corruption, as he thought it would be difficult to get Parliament to accept such an amendment.

Mr O’Brien hinted that if there was asset declaration legislation, the World Bank would utilize circuitous routes to get its point across.

Hon. David Carty, MLA, of Anguilla, broached the issue of freedom of the press, where rumor and innuendo had replaced responsible journalism. He pointed to the existence of blogs and their potential to destroy political careers. Against that background he posed the question whether the World Bank had analysed the growth and democratization of the press.

Mr O’Brien suggested that the freedom of the press was a two edge sword – for every one example where the media had failed to live up to an ideal, one could point to an example where the media was able to highlight instances of corruption. He re-enforced the view that the move around the world was for a freer press and the real issue for Parliament was how it was going to treat a freer press.

Pointing to corruption and anticorruption strategies, he said there were some clear instances but one had to try to be as transparent as possible when there was likely to be a conflict of interest. What constituted corruption in particular circumstances was not clear cut and one had to come up with a different solution.

Mr Payne posed the question whether the possibility of corruption was greater in those countries where leaders had been in power for a long time as opposed to those countries with a recently elected leader.

He said that there should be a term limit whereby two terms was a sufficient length.

Mr O’Brien revealed that there was no research to show correlation between length of time and incidence of corruption. On the question of term limits, he opined that this might border on thwarting the will of the people to decide. He concluded that each country had to decide for themselves.

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28th SMALL BRANCHES CONFERENCE Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 3rd Session - 4 August 2008

Meeting the challenges to the holding of democratic elections

Chairperson: Councillor Lionel Williams, MLC (St Helena) Discussants: Dame Jennifer Smith, JP, MP (Bermuda) Deputy Bob Hill (Jersey) The third plenary of the 28th Small Branches Conference brought great discussion from Members of the Small Branch States about the development of democratic elections and the surrounding issues.

Hon. Dame Jennifer Smith, JP, MP (Bermuda), began the discussion by providing a historical perspective of the development of the electoral process in Bermuda. She detailed Bermuda’s political development from 1788 with the uniform qualification requiring voters and candidates to be owners of freeholds rated by the last parish assessment at not less than 24 pounds and 120 pounds respectively.

In 1968, Bermuda welcomed its new constitution and with it, its first

election under universal adult suffrage. In 1989, the voting age was lowered from 25 to 18, and in 1999, the Parliamentary Election Amendment Act provided an open electoral register to ensure the continuous registration of voters.

Since then, she reported that Bermuda had had further electoral reform including the move to single seat constituencies and the inclusion of candidates’ photos on each ballot paper.

The establishment of the constitution also brought about several legislative provisions, and Bermuda had also gone to great lengths to prevent any explicit or hidden structural bias.

Dr Patrick Herminie, MP (Seychelles), raised the question of whether photo identification was needed during the registration process. Hon. Clayton Greene, MHA (Turks and Caicos), then asked whether voter registration cards were mandatory in Bermuda.

Dame Jennifer responded that evidence of citizenship was required

when registering and that photo identification was required on the day of election to confirm identity, however, various forms of identification were accepted and voter registration cards were not mandatory.

The frequency of review for Bermuda’s voter registration list was queried by Hon. Elvis Harrigan, MHA (British Virgin Islands), who also questioned whether there was a mandatory requirement to re-register in the event a constituent moved into a different electoral district.

Hon. Norman Saunders, MHA (Turks and Caicos) wanted to know at what point did the voters’ list become final, and Hon. Palusalue Faapo ll MP (Samoa) questioned how constituency boundaries were drawn.

In response, Dame Jennifer informed that Bermuda’s voter registration list was published annually in June, and during an election year, registration ended three weeks before Election Day. The final list was then published approximately

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two weeks before the day where all parties were given access to the list electronically. Persons were given three months to give notice of any changes to names or addresses, and electoral boundaries were established using the Geographical Information System based solely on population size.

Deputy Judith Martin (Jersey) asked how long a person had to be a resident in Bermuda before being able to qualify to vote, and Hon. Ernest Britto, MHA, (Gibraltar) queried whether there were any follow-up mechanisms in place to deal

the validity of the claim.This usually happened within 24 hours and was a purely administrative issue which was not in conflict with voting secrecy as no candidates could become aware of any such votes cast.

Referring to the actual application of the voting process, Hon. Andre Pool, MP, (Seychelles) enquired about Bermuda’s system for ensuring that double voting did not occur. Hon. Ibrahim Shaheed Zaki, MP, (Maldives) raised the issue of whether Bermudians living overseas could vote by proxy and Mr Britto asked whether there were any mech-

that Bermudians living abroad were able to return home to cast their votes. Similarly, advanced polls were set up for elderly and incapacitated persons and persons who might be out of the Territory on Election Day, once this could be validated through the production of proper documentation.

Before wrapping up the discussion, Hon. George Payne, MP, (Barbados) queried what was the mood of the Bermudian Legislature and people with respect to independence? She answered that the Bermudian government would push

Hon. Dato’ Dr Ng Yen Yen of Malaysia (left) and Dame Jennifer Smith, MP, of Bermuda.

with individuals who may have registered but whose names did not appear on the voters’ list on polling day.

Dame Jennifer stated that only Bermudian citizens had the right to vote and that approximately 80 per cent of all qualifying citizens were registered voters. If an individual did not appear on the voter’s list after having registered, that person was allowed to cast their vote; however, such vote was held until the Registrar of Elections could rule on

anisms in place to assist the elderly and incapacitated in getting to the polls.

Delegates learned that while the method of inking did not occur in Bermuda, persons were only allowed to register in one constituency, and had to provide evidence of their identity, therefore, the probability of double voting was miniscule. Dame Jennifer added that Bermuda did not have the infrastructure to guarantee the validity of proxy voting but every effort was made by parties to ensure

242 The Parliamentarian 2008/Issue Three

for independence when the people of Bermuda so desired; however, the Legislature took no opinion on the matter and the current administration was not committed to holding any form of referendum.

The second presenter, Deputy Bob Hill (Jersey), provided a more general historical perspective on the electoral process and concluded that the current democratic voting system was built on the premise which satisfied the following three criteria of fairness:

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tation of a fair process to manage proxy votes as often they were managed through Embassies and Consulates which were supported by the State’s governing party.

Deputy Hill indicated that in Jersey legislation had been introduced to tighten up on such procedures and to ensure less possibility of any outside influence.

Unlike other countries where campaign financing can become a very serious and expensive endeavour, he pinpointed that political hopefuls in Jersey were faced with very low caps for spending and any other funding received from outside sources had to be declared. This was a stark contrast to most Caribbean States where there was substantial reliance on external campaign financing and fundraising, and where the entire approach to campaigning had taken on an almost carnival like atmosphere.

Supplementary voting, which was practiced in jurisdictions such as Malta, did not appear to be the norm among the Small States, and Hon. Karin MacDonald, MLA, (Australian Capital Territory) highlighted that in her experience such voting tended to promote minority governments.

Hon. Joseph Meade, MLC, (Montserrat) raised the question as to which political system the delegates believed was the better system and whether selection of a system should be the choice of politicians or the electorate. Delegates indicated that in most instances the ‘first past the post’ method was instituted, however it should be left to the individual country to decide.

Hon. Charles Bruson, MHA (Gibraltar) raised the point that although in some States voting was a legal requirement, as in Australia where persons were fined for not going to the polls, he stated that voting was a privilege and that persons should not be forced to go to the polls. Mr Birmingham also added that compulsory voting would only work if society allowed it to.

On the issue of attracting young voters and improving overall voter turnout, Dame Jennifer opined that persons developed ideas and opinions long before they became eligi-

ble to vote, and thus it was necessary to converse with young people long before they attained voting age.

Agreeing with Mr Bruson’s points, Hon. Florencio Marin Jr, MP, (Belize) also considered being able to vote as a privilege and that in Belize, people had become more involved in the process. Open campaigning excited the electorate and stirred such great national interest that in most places persons would stand in line all day to ensure they were able to cast their ballot, and then stay tuned in all night to follow the results.

Despite having a similar status to Jersey, many of the Caribbean based Overseas Territories indicated that residency alone did not give persons the right to run for elected office, and in reality such privilege belonged solely to nationals of these Territories. Mr. Greene noted that the Territories were very conscious of being marginalized hence the need to implement a mechanism to guard against placing the economic and political power of these Territories into the same hands.

The consensus was that most jurisdictions did not see the need for electronic voting at this time although such a system had been tested in the Australian Capital Territory. What was observed however, was the need to make the voting process as simple as possible so that persons did not lose interest, and to continually stress the importance of participation in the process.

The speakers concluded that all electoral systems were different and that each state needed to adopt the system most suited to its jurisdiction; however, it was agreed that the fundamental questions of how to get persons involved; at what age persons should become involved; and how to ensure that persons who wanted to vote could do so, needed to remain in the forefront of the minds of the persons responsible for each state’s political development.

They felt that it was also important to ensure that the electoral system kept up with changing times and methods to allow persons wishing to participate in the electoral process to do so as effortlessly as possible.

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All votes are equal All candidates are treated fairly; and • If the winning candidate received more votes they would win He outlined that in Jersey, the age at which persons could vote had been reduced to 16, as it was felt that persons of this age were aware enough about the political process to make an informed decision.

Hon. John Birmingham, MP. (Falkland Islands) questioned the validity of this in the context of the legal definition of an adult and to some extent the manner in which criminal infractions by adults were handled as opposed to children, as well as the impact on the eligibility of such individuals to qualify to vote.

Deputy Hill acknowledged the anomaly as, in the case of a criminal matter, persons under the age of 18 were considered juveniles and their criminal records were sealed. He also recognized that lowering the age of eligibility did not in fact increase voter turnout.

Hon.Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Leiataua, MP, (Samoa) informed that in Samoa, prior to the introduction of universal suffrage in 1991 only holders of ‘Chiefs’ titles could vote.

Now, all persons were required to register although it was not compulsory to vote, but still only persons with titles could hold elected office.

A vote was taken by the delegates on whether they thought the voting age should be reduced to 16.The delegates from Guernsey – where such a system was already in place – along with Deputy Martin were the only persons to vote in favour of a change.

On the issue of whether newcomers, i.e. non-nationals, should serve a qualifying period before being eligible to vote, Deputy Hill felt that once an individual was required to pay tax they should be eligible to vote. He outlined that there was a two year qualifying period in Jersey where only British citizens were eligible to hold elected office. If persons left the jurisdiction for any period, they had to reside for six months upon their return before becoming eligible to vote again.

Delegate Hon. Riddel Akua, MP, (Nauru) questioned the implemen-

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28th SMALL BRANCHES CONFERENCE Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 4th Session - 4 August 2008

Promoting the interests of small states in international institutions Chairperson: Hon. Richard Cockwell, MLC (Falkland Islands) Discussants: Deputy Lyndon Trott (Guernsey) Mr David Cannan, MHK (Isle of Man) Hon. John Birmingham, MLC (Falkland Islands) Ms Janet Strachan (Commonwealth Secretariat) Deputy Lyndon Trott (Guernsey) and Mr David Cannan, MHK (Isle of Man), spoke about the finance sectors and the implications of the industry for international relations in their respective countries. In the case of both islands, their external relations are now almost all conducted directly with the relevant institutions having international competence and no longer, as hitherto, through the Lt-Governors.

Consequently, there is direct contact with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in particular – institutions’ compliance with whose standards is essential to give interna-

tional credibility and viability to the islands’ finance industries.

The recent decision of the IMF to abandon the concept of the “Offshore Financial Centre”, and to treat each jurisdiction strictly on its merits, was seen as an important example of the value of direct and positive engagement with international bodies following extensive lobbying and input from the islands.

Although the U.K. was the formal channel to engaging with the European Union, effective contact was also being made directly with European Union institutions – especially with the European Union Commission.With the U.K, the old system of contact via the LtGovernor of the islands was rejected for direct Minister to Minister contact between the islands’ government and the U.K government.

The international role of the three Crown Dependencies had been facilitated in the Isle of Man since 1986 by the development of ministerial government, but more recently in Guernsey, identifiable persons were now seen as responsible for the area of government in

244 The Parliamentarian 2008/Issue Three

question, and able to deal effectively with their counterparts abroad.

Within the British Isles, a further important stimulus to governmentto-government contact was provided by the British-Irish Council, which allocated the islands’ ministers a seat at the table on an equal basis with Ministers of all the other governments in the British Isles.

Earnings from the financial services industry in the Isle of Man, represented around 40 per cent of the GDP, though the economy was diversifying with a further 12-15 per cent of the GDP represented by high-tech manufacturing. E-commerce, shipping and aircraft registration were also growing rapidly, and tourism and agriculture continued to play a subordinate but still significant role. An annual budget of around £500,000,000 represented government expenditure of 1,500,000 GBP each day for a population of only 80,000, was achieved without any external subsidy and 2,500,000 GBP was paid annually to the U.K for defense and consular services.

Although the Isle of Man was not subject to any external aid scrutiny,

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social development and climate change.The invasion was a wake-up call for the Commonwealth to be concerned about the security of its smaller members, where the Commonwealth was now seen as the premier institution in the protection

Hon. Richard Cockwell, MLC, of the Falkland Islands.

of small states’ interests.

She reported that the growth of GDP in small states significantly declined from 1995 to 2001, and the erosion of trade preferences had serious implications for the economies of many small states, which were aptly trade-dependent. Such countries found it very hard to equal larger countries on the world trade game, for example, to make proper use of the long and costly dispute resolution procedures of the World Trade Organization. The Commonwealth helped in the recent Doha Round of trade negotiations by making facilities available in Geneva for small states’ delegations, to compensate for their restricted resources. Trade success or failure had a knock-on effect on the social conditions in small states, particularly living and educational standards.

Ms Strachan outlined how social cohesion too could often be a victim of trade changes dictated by big states or trading blocks, with the young and better educated emigrating and leaving behind an unbalanced and economically inactive society. Small communities had, historically, strong social structures and the effect of destabilizing them was a serious issue.

Climate change had further implications for transport needs, and for the ability of small states to cope with the ever-increasing volume of internally prescribed regulation, both in adapting it to their circumstances and

interpreting and enforcing it.Tourism – on which many small states were also dependent upon– was being affected by increased fuel costs and concern for the carbon footprint of international travel. Rising tides were also threatening low-lying islands, and the cost of sea defenses was often prohibitive.

The Commonwealth, Ms Strachan stated, was able to help counter these problems by action on such matters as protocols on the recruitment of small countries’ skilled workers by developed countries, the development of youth centres, and enhancing the role of regional institutions and training facilities.Various other issues came into play, for example, safeguarding the trade brands of small countries’ exports, and adapting low-carbon technologies for local use.

In the Falkland Islands, Hon. John Birmingham, MLC, (Falkland Islands) emphasized its particular difficulties in international forums, given its strained relationship with Argentina objecting to the Islands’ participation along with the continued pressure from the United Nations Committee on Decolonization.This only strengthened the relationship with the U.K. and the European Union and formed the basis of the Falklands’ economic development, both in terms of aid assistance and export opportunities.

For the Falklands, the right to self-determination was a fundamental issue and determined the Islands’ prospects for economic development.

There were plenty of opportunities: oil exploration, fishing, farming and tourism being the most immediate. In the future, energy generation from wind power was likely to become a further significant source of income.

Mr Birmingham highlighted that as the Falklands greatly depended on the U.K. for support, influence at Westminster, both among Members of Parliament and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, played an important role. Beyond that, the European Union’s trade and regulatory functions bore heavily on the Islands. Concluding his presentation, he stressed that support from the Commonwealth was a significant factor in engaging with these institutions.

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Interests of Small States

scrutiny by international business organizations was invited in a proactive policy of engagement, since endorsement by the IMF and the OECD actually served to promote the island as a business centre. A concrete example of how this had produced results was that the City of London welcomed the role of the Isle of Man in attracting inward investment, and worked closely with the island’s regulatory institutions.

The picture in Guernsey was very similar, with very large and growing sums either under management or held on deposit in the financial services sector, and a large captive insurance industry.This was accompanied by an emphasis on pro-active engagement with international institutions, the establishment of strong regulatory authorities at home, and a conscious effort being made to use every opportunity to influence foreign opinion by every means.

A major problem requiring constant attention was that of politically motivated misrepresentation of the island’s role, as for example, in the frequently encountered perception in the United States of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man as conduits for hot money. Constant rebuttal of that is needed, and the message has to be got across that transparency and regulation is overall better than that in many large jurisdictions, notably those in some American states where the rhetoric about the damage from ‘tax havens’ is often the loudest.

An example of how constructive engagement worked to Guernsey’s advantage was provided by the Northern Rock collapse in the U.K, where deposits in its Guernsey subsidiary were safeguarded by direct intervention with the U.K. Treasury and the U.K. Financial Services Authority. Guernsey sought wherever possible to provide members to sit on international bodies, and to build thereby a network of international influence.

Ms Janet Strachan (Commonwealth Secretariat) traced the Commonwealth’s specific concern for the needs of small countries to the aftermath of the U.S invasion of Grenada in 1983, and the subsequent analysis of the vulnerabilities of small countries in relation to trade,

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A CPA publication

Available to Members and Officials of the CPA for purchase from the CPA Secretariat, Suite 700, Westminster House, 7 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA, U.K. Tel.: (+44-20) 7799-1460 Fax: (+44-20) 7222-6073 E-mail: hq.sec@cpahq.org Also available to members of the public from booksellers.

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Tanzania: Delivery of the Budget 08/09, p.249

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Australia: Northern Territory Elections, p.261

British Columbia: Electoral Districts Act, p.254

Parliamentary Report n e w s a n d l e g i s l a t i o n f r o m C o m m o n w e a l t h Pa r l i a m e n t s INDIA: Government wins trust vote p262 AUSTRALIA: Increased tax on “alcopops” p.260 TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: Government sent to Privileges Committee p.253

THE NEW ZEALAND CROWN APOLOGIZES TO THE VIETNAM VETERANS P.258

UNITED KINGDOM: Amendment to controversial Bill p.255

ASSASSINATION OF SRI LANKAN MINISTER P.248

TANZANIA: Issues of governance p.250

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Parliamentary Report S R I

L A N K A

Sri Lankan Minister assassinated The Chief Government Whip of Parliament and Highways and Road Development Minister Hon. Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was assassinated by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on 05 April 2008.

The late Minister was a vociferous critic of the LTTE who exposed the group’s sheer ruthlessness at local and international appearances, and was on the group's 'hit list' for quite some time. He was an outspoken critic of the LTTE's terror tactics, both in and out of Parliament. He sometimes courted controversy with his statements on the LTTE and terrorism, but remained unapologetic even under pressure. He firmly believed that terrorism should be eradicated in order to find a lasting solution to the national issue.

Many advised him to restrict his movements or refrain from attending public functions following the assassination of Minister D.M. Dassanayake as it was widely believed that the actual target was Minister Fernandopulle, but he did not give into terrorism.

Instead, he continued to participate in public functions and speak even more vehemently against the LTTE. Unfortunately for the nation, the LTTE used his very affinity with the people to assassinate him.

He dedicated his life serving the people, who in turn had immense faith in him and he was returned to Parliament with a large number of votes on several occasions.

His political superiors who realized his immense potential allocated several positions in government, earning plaudits for whatever job was assigned to him. He was always loyal to his leaders and to his party.

Mr Fernandopoulle was born on 11 January 1953 in Walihena, Kochchikade. In

1974, he entered the Sri Lanka Law College, and won the Silver Medal for his address to the jury in Sinhala the following year. He passed from the Sri Lanka Law College in 1977 as an Attorney-at-law. One of his contemporaries at the Law College was President Mahinda Rajapaksha who was a Member of Parliamernt at the time. Since December 1977 he started practicing as a lawyer mainly in the Magistrates Court and High Court of Negombo and in other criminal courts island wide. He won respect and admiration when he appeared free of charge for more than 20,000 cases. He was also regarded as a fearless defender of human rights.

An ardent supporter of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) from his school days and an active member of the SLFP from 1970, he represented Sri Lanka at the Baghdad Conference in 1984 held to end the Iran-Iraq war. He has attended seminars dealing with Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights.

In 1984 he was appointed as the chief organizer by the SLFP in the Katana electorate, Western Province in Sri Lanka.

From there onwards he was elected to the Parliament five consecutive times in 1989, 1994, 2000, 2001 and 2004.

At the 1994 General Election, he polled over 100,000 votes and was second only to former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga who contested the election for the first time. He held several Cabinet portfolios and was famed for his skilled debating.

Other appointments included Deputy Minister of Finance, Ethnic Affairs and National Integration, Deputy Minister of Plan Implementation and Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Civil Aviation,Tourism and Christian Affairs.

248 The Parliamentarian 2008/Issue Three

As a Trade Minister, he championed the cause of the consumer and made every attempt to reduce the cost of living. On a global level, he spoke of the need for the developing world to get together on trade and development matters.

His last project, as Highways and Road Development Minister, was the rapid construction of flyovers in many parts of the country.The Peliyagoda flyover was built and commissioned in just 60 days and he had recently started work on the Panadura flyover on 31March.

He had presented plans to build more than 200 bridges and flyovers island wide to ease traffic congestion and link villages to cities. He also took a keen interest in building expressways that would link Colombo with the main cities.

As a Minister who had the ability to converse in Sinhala, Tamil and English, he served as the Chief Government Whip at the time he was killed.

In Parliament, he also served on many Committees, including the Public Petition Committee and the Consultative Committee on Highways and Road Development.

Internationally, he represented Sri Lanka on several high profile events, such as the 4th Joint Council Meeting under the Trade and Investment Frame Work Agreement in October 2004 at the White House Con-

ference Centre, Washington DC, as well as at the 6th WTO Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong in 2005 and at the Commonwealth Finance Ministers’ Meeting in Malta.

He was a member of the ministerial delegation to India led by President Mahinda Rajapakse after assuming office as President.

Along with MP Anura Bandaranaike, who also passed away recently, Hon. Fernandopulle was one of the finest speakers in Parliament. His impeccable command of all three languages coupled with his sharp and witty responses to Opposition queries distinguished him from many other MPs. He was one of the most enthusiastic campaigners for Eastern elections and was to lead the government's polls effort in one of the districts, but was killed before they could take place.

There is no doubt that his colleagues on both sides of the House will miss him immensely.

Filling the void created by his untimely death will be no easy task. His experience, insights and political acumen are greatly needed at this juncture. Sri Lanka needs more patriots of his calibre to make this noble mission a success.

Hon. Jeyaraj Fernandopulle will be deeply missed and gratefully remembered by all patriotic Sri Lankans.

Hon. Jeyaraj Fernandopulle (second from right) at the opening ceremony of the Ramboda Tunnel in February 2008. He was assassinated by the LTTE two months later.

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Parliamentary Report TA N Z A N I A

Presentation of the 2008/9 budget THE BUDGET The Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs, Hon. Mustafa Mkulo, presented his budget speech on the proposals for the estimates of Government Revenue and Expenditure for the 2008/09 financial year.

The House was first briefed on the state of the national economy for 2007 and the proposals for medium term development for 2008/09 to 2010/11. It was informed that the national economy would continue to develop on the basis of the general economy and development for the 2008/09 to 2010/11 period.

The envisaged development made specific reference to the general economic criteria, including the growth of the national economy to 7.8 per cent in 2008, 8.1 per cent in 2009, 8.8 per cent in 2010 and 9.2 per cent in 2011; control of inflation from 9.7 to 7 per cent at the end of June 2009; increase in the collection of internal revenue to 18.5 of the national income in 2008/09, to 18.6 per cent in 2009/10 and 19 per cent in 210/11.

Mr Mkulo outlined that the government would improve the efficiency of National Strategy for Growth and the Reduction of Poverty.Agricultural activities were also expected to expand following the improvement of the rural infrastructures, facilities for affordable access to the financial services of credit through Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies and various funds for dispensing loans.

On the sectoral priorities, he told the House that 64 per cent of the budget had been allocated to education, agriculture, health, rural infrastructure, water and energy.

Discussing the reforms, he said that the government

would maintain and continue to improve and strengthen the socio-economic reforms and the overall achievements to date. “The increase in the collection of domestic revenue will result from the improvements in the system of tax management and and an increase in the production activities and formal trade”, stated Mr Mkulo.

The government would continue improving the environment for the growth of the private sector and to strengthen fiscal policies and

Hon. Hamad Rashid Mohamed

liquidity. To that effect, the House was told, the government aimed at removing all policy and structural barriers in the financial sector in order to facilitate easy access by the private sector to facilities, resources and services, and to have exchange rates that were in line with those prevailing in the financial market.

Turning to the sources of funds, the House was informed that the government had intended to raise TZS4,729 trillion from internal and external soures, with TZS2,249 trillion to be raised from exertnal sources and the remaining from various domestic sources, including the sale of 21 per cent of the government shares in the National Microfinance Bank.

In addition, dependence on donor funds would be

reduced from 42 to 34 per cent.

Mr Mkulo announced various measures to raise additional domestic revuenue that included increases in tax rates on a wide range of items ranging from cigarettes, alcoholic drinks and beverages.

Speaking about the application of funds, he said that the government’s proposals was to spend TZS7,216 trillion, TZS4,73 trillion for recurrent expenditure and TZS2,489 trillion for development expenditure.

Opening the debate on the budget, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Hamad Rashid Mohamed (Civic United Front (CUF)) commended the proposal to reduce budgetary dependency on donor funds from 42 to 34 per cent. He noted that the proposal was a healthy development adding that it was an indication of the government’s decision to give serious considerations to the advice given by the Opposition in 2007 to reduce dependency by 31 per cent.

However, Mr Mohamed criticized the government for poor implementation on the increased allocation of funds for education, healh, agriculture, rural infrastructure, water and energy. He noted that actual expenditure during the previous financial year was 51 per cent for education, 39 per cent for agriculture, 76.7 per cent for rural infrastructure, 63.4 per cent for health, 67.4 per cent for water and only 18 per cent for energy.

He reminded the government about the various points raised by the Opposition during the last budget session, which had not yet been attended to and demanded an official statement. Reference was made to the issue of the real cost constructing the

Bank of Tanzania twin towers, the investments of US$5,512,398,55 in Mwananchi Gold Company and UD$100 million in Meremeta Gold Company, payments from the External Payment Account (EPA) and the appointment of the exteranl auditors for the mining companies of Alex Stewart Asseyers.

He informed that the Opposition had prepared an alternative budget to that presented by the Minister totalling TZS8,325,065 billion; TZS5,895,530 billion from internal sources and the remaining TZS2,429,535 billion from external sources.

Proposals also included reducing dependency on donor funds to 31 per cent. Turning to the subject of the sources of funds, he pointed to the expansion of the tax base; plugging loopholes on tax avoidance, evasion and exemptions and imposition of taxes on various allowances, including those paid to MPs. Contributing the debate, Hon. Godfrey Zambi (Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM)) criticized the budgetary allocations as inade-

Hon. Zitto Kabwe quate, saying “We have allocated 6.4 per cent to agriculture which is not enough. It ought to be 10 per cent and with a substantial amount allocated to fertiliser distribution to farmers”.

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Parliamentary Report Hon. Dr Willbrod Slaa (CHADEMA) suggested that the budget be re-written, given the discrepancies in the proposals for recurrent expenditure. He said that “As MPs we have often forget that there are four books that normally detail the government’s revenue and expenditure, and in this case, I am demanding an explanation from the minister on some TShs. 136 billion whose expenditure has not ben specified”.

Hon. Zitto Kabwe (CHADEMA) and Hon. John Cheyo (United Democratic Party (UDP)) reinforced the concerns raised by Hon. Slaa.

Mr Kabwe highlighted the dif-

Hon. John Cheyo ference between the expected revenue from the sale of government shares in the National Microfiance Bank as TZS42 billion in the revenue book and that announced in the budget by the Minister. Hon. Kabwe said: “Whereas in the budget, the Miniser for Finance and Economic Affairs said that we shall collect TZS60 billion from the sale of the shares, TZS42 billion appear in he revenue book, which figure should we take?”, he asked.

Mr Cheyo said that he had discovered a big difference of TZS120 billion in the revenue book used by MPs to approve the budget. He pointed out a difference of TZS60 billion in the domestic revenue of TZS4.729 trillion and a similar difference of TZS60 billion in the external revenue of TZS2,249 trillion.

Adding his comments to the

deabte, Hon. Siraju Kaboyonga (CCM) advised the government to introduce a tax on the windfall profit on the gold mining companies. He argued “When the mining companies started their operations, gold was selling at about USD$250 per ounce but it now goes at about US$900 per ounce. He should, therefore, tax the windfall profit”.

Hon. Philemon Ndesamburo (CHADEMA) advised the Tanzania Revenue Authority to look for new sources of taxable revenue and not continue increasing the taxation rates on beer, soft drinks, spirits, wine and cigarretes. In his contribution, Hon. William Kusila (CCM) observed that the dearth of farm implements had adversely affected the development of the agricultual sector, reporting that “in the 1970s, we had reached a situation where we had 180,000 tractors in the country in one year. Now in 2007, we have 72,000 tractors, now are we going forwards or backwards?

72,000 tractors in the whole country and you expect agriculture to develop at this speed?”

Hon. Mkulo admitted the discrepancies pointed out by MPs and further commended those who had detected them fortheir seriousness in his sudy and analysis of the budget. He promised to make the necessary corrections.

Hon.Anne Kilango Malecela (CCM) called for stern action to be taken against all those involved in the looting of public funds through the External Payment Arrears Account (EPA). She also called on the government to ensure that the TZS216 billion borrowed from the Import Support Fund in 1992 was returned, saying that there would be disruption in the House if they were not returned. On her part, Hon. Anna Abdallah (CCM), advised fellow CCM MPs not to allow the issue of EPA to

250 The Parliamentarian 2008/Issue Three

divide them, pointing out all were united in getting the funds returned.

Winding up the debate, Mr Mkulo thanked all MPs for their comments and promised to make use of the various suggestions made. He informed the House that, contrary to some of the popular perceptions on the EPA funds, they were not public property and belonged to private business people who had deposited their money with the commercial bank and then transferred to the Bank of Tanzania. On the issue of Mwananchi and Meremeta, the House was told that the Minister for Energy and Minerals would give a statement on the issues later.

The budget was approved by 276 votes with 35 abstentions.

ISSUES OF GOVERNANCE The issue of governance had been one of the dominant themes in the course of the debate on the estimates of revenue and expenditure of the Office of the Prime Minister, Regional Administration and Local Government presented by the Prime Minister, Hon. Mizengo Pinda. He requested the House to approve the proposed estimates of TZS1,622 trillion; TZS1,564 trillion for recurrent expenditure and the remaining TZS57,422 billion

Hon. Mizengo Pinda for development expenditure.

He informed the House about the government’s continued committment to fight corruption in the country. He said that

investigations would be carried out on the various allegtions of

Hon. Philemon Ndesamburo

corruption and corrupt practices, with a greater emphasis on big contracts that had made the government incur enormous losses. He declared that “the government will carry out the struggle against corruption and corrupt practices through administrative, disciplinary and legal means against those found to vbe involved”.

Mr Pinda spoke about the decision to strengthen the local authorities, on account of a growing recognition of the important contribution of the councils and Councillors in the democratic process. To that effect, he announced the decision for an increase of Councillors’ allowances and an improvement of their benefits including medical care and burial expenses.

The Prime Minister also announced the decision to speed up the process of transferring the national capital to Dodoma. The House was told that his office was to initiate a process of nationwide special discussions on the issue to solicit public ideas, opinion and views whose outcome would be used to propose a new law to declare Dodoma as the recognized national capital.

The following debate detailed some of the issues raised during the 11th sitting, with particular regards to the approved budget. The Opposition Spokesperson, Mr Slaa (CHADEMA), was concerned that the government had not yet given the clarification and

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Parliamentary Report explanation on the various issues demanded by the Opposition. The House was reminded about the issues of the fraudulent and proligate embezzelement of public funds through EPA. He further refuted the most recent statement made by Mr Mkulo Affairs, insisting that they were public funds fraudlently paid to people, which should therefore be returned and action taken against those involved. He drew particular attention to the gravity of the issue surrounding the EPA scandal, when only one account was investigated for which there was only one audit for the year.

Mr Slaa also referred to the resolutions of the House on the Richmond issue, the sale of government houses, the privitization of Kiwira Coal Mines and the pending issues of the payments of public funds from the Bank of Tanzania to companies

such as Mwananchi Gold Company, Meremeta Gold Company and Deep Green Finance Company, whose ownership was not clear and accounts not audited.

Hon. Samwel Chitalilo (CCM) said he had been dumbfounded by those fellow MPs who continued talking about things of the past rather than addressing issues and other annoyannces in their constituencies. He warned that “there is a tendency of turning this House into a hotbed of intrigue. Lowassa [former Prime Minister Hon. Edwaed] left the premiership without any wrong doing...he did so as part of accountability. Even if I was in his position, I would have also resigned”.

Hon. Dr Chrisant Mzindakaya (CCM) expressed concern about the allegations of corruption and misuse of public office by the former President William Mkapa, saying that they had humuliated

Hon. Lucy Owenya

a person who had done many good things for the country.

He continued “I want the government to give us an explanation on the manner the mass media has said on him with the government remaining quiet”. He then alleged that the budget had been prepared to benefit the families of senior people.

Hon. Lucy Owenya (CHADEMA) congratulated the government’s timely intervention in revoking the deci-

sion of the Kinondoni Municipality to sell Coco beach to a private investor.

Hon. Paschal Deerega (CCM) and Hon. Shoka Khamis Juma (CUF) criticized the government over the lack of seriousness of transferring the national capital to Dodoma, saying thaat there was no need for a proposed national discussion.

Closing the debate, the Prime Minister assured the House that the report on the implementation of the resolution on Richmond was ready to be presented, that the EPA funds would be repaid and that the report of Kiwira Coal Mine would be presented by the releveant Minister in due course. However, he declined to make statements with regards to the Mwananchi, Meremeta and Deep Green Companies given concerns regarding security.

Third Reading ~ India THE CONSTITUTION (SCHEDULED TRIBES ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 2008 Before the state of Arunachal Pradesh was established, it was a part of the State of Assam, and the Dafla community was listed as a Scheduled Tribe in the State of Assam by the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950. After the creation of Arunachal Pradesh as a State, the Dafla community was mentioned in the list of Scheduled Tribes in Arunachal Pradesh at Sr. No. 4 by the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971.

Currently, 16 numbers of communities – including the Dafla – exist in the list of Scheduled Tribes in Arunachal Pradesh.

The government of Arunachal Pradesh had long recommended that the name Nyishi be substituted in place of Dafla in the Scheduled tribes list of the State since Dafla is a derogatory term and was given to the Nyishi community by outsiders. In light of this, a change was proposed to change the existing entry Dafla, to Nyishi in order for the Nyishi com-

munity to be listed by its correct name.

With a view to achieve this objective the government brought forward the Constitution (Scheduled tribes) order (amendment) Bill, 2008. In the Schedule to the Constitution (Scheduled tribes) Order, 1950 in Part XVIII, the amending Act substituted Nyishi for the existing entry.

The Members welcomed the measure stating that the name would provide a new life and new chapter in the lives of people belonging to Nyishi Tribes.

The Bill was passed by Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha on 19 March 2008. The Bill as passed by both Houses of Parliament was assented to by the President of India on 1 April 2008.

THE JAWAHARLAL INSTITUTE OF POST-GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH PUDUCHERRY BILL 2008 The Jawaharlal Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry was established in 1964 with

the objective to develop a pattern of teaching in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education to establish and demonstrate a high standard of education. The Institute had been providing quality education and excellent patient care delivery services over the years, but could not grow due to constraints in the process of manpower selection, lack of academic autonomy and lack of flexibility in administrative and financial powers, similar to with other institutions in India such as the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi.

The government proposed to make the Institute a corporate statutory body and declare it as an institution of national importance under entry 64 of List I of the Seventh Schedule to the constitution, so that it might develop as a high level institution of medical education and research like the All India Medical Sciences, New Delhi.

The government accordingly brought forward the Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Continued next page...

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Third Reading ~ India Research, Puducherry Bill, 2008 to achieve this objective. The features of the Bill are as follows: • The Institute has been declared as an Institution of national importance.

• The Institute has been incorporated into a corporate body by the same name having perpetual succession and a common seal with certain powers.

• Detailed provisions have been laid down with regard to composition of the Institute, term of office of and vacancies among members.

Objects of the Institute are: (a) to develop patterns of teaching in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education in all its branches to demonstrate a high standard of medical education; (b) to bring together in one place educa tional facilities of the highest order for the training of personnel in all important branches of health activity; (c) to attain self-sufficiency in postgradu ate medical education to meet the country’s needs for specialists and medical teachers.

The Institute has been entrusted with the following powers to: • provide for undergraduate and post graduate teaching in the science of modern medicine and other allied sciences, including physical and bio logical sciences; • provide facilities for research in various branches of such sciences; • provide for the teaching of humanities; • conduct experiments in new meth ods of medical education, both undergraduate and postgraduate, in order to arrive at satisfactory standards of such education; • appoint persons to professorships, readerships, lectureships and posts of any description in accordance with regulations; • receive grants from the government and gifts, donations, benefactions, bequests and transfers of properties, both movable and immovable , from donors, benefactors, testators or transferors, as the case may be; • provide free treatment to the poor patients in the same manner as are being provided by a Medical Institute of

the central government; Provisions have been made with regard to vesting of property, fund of the Institute, Budget of the Institute, Accounts and Audit, Annual reports etc.

Other provisions include: • The Institute has been required to carry out the directions issued by the central government from time to time having regard to the efficient administration of the measure • The Institute has also been required to produce reports, returns and other information as may be asked by the central government • Central government has been empowered to make rules to carry out the purposes of the measure • Institute has been enabled to make regulations with the provisions approval of the central government and consistent with the act and the rules made there under.

During the discussion on the Bill in the House of Parliament, the members acknowledged the Institute as one of the premier medical college and hospitals in India, and Members were of the view that giving autonomy to the Institute was a timely initiative.

The Bill was passed by Rajya Sabha on 23 April 2008 and by Lok Sabha on 29 April 2008. The Bill as passed by both Houses of Parliament was assented to by the President on 16 May 2008.

THE SUGAR DEVELOPMENT FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 2008 The Sugar Development Fund Act, 1982, was enacted to provide financing for the development of the sugar industry and for matters relating to it. The existing provisions stated in Section 4(1) do not specifically provide for payment of interest subvention from the Sugar Development Fund or loans given to sugar factories by banks or financial institutions.

In December, 2007, the government approved a scheme to provide loans for sugar factories from banks on the basis of excise duty paid, payable in 2006-07 and 2007-08 sugar seasons on production of sugar, with full interest subvention up to a maximum of 12 per cent per annum, where five per cent of the interest subvention would be provided

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through budgetary support from the central government and the Sugar Development Fund. Claims for interest subvention were expected to be received from February 2008.Therefore, the provisions of the said section needed to be amended.

The Sugar Cess Act, 1982, was enacted to provide for imposing cess on sugar for the development of the sugar industry and for related matters. Section 3(1) states a cess on sugar does not exceed Rs15 per quintal of sugar. The main source of funds from the Sugar Development Fund is the collection of cess on sugar.As per the estimate of the receipts into and disbursements from the Sugar Development Fund up to March 2009, there will not be sufficient funds in the Sugar Development Fund to meet the expected expenditure on account of interest subvention. There was a need then to amend the said section to empower the central government to increase the cess from the present rate of Rs15 per quintal of sugar to Rs25 which would specify the increase in cess as per requirements of funds.

As Parliament was not in session, the government promulgated the Sugar Development Fund (Amendment) Ordinance, 2008 on 5 February 2008. Subsequently the government brought forward the Sugar Development Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2008 replacing the Ordinance.

The Amending Bill inserted the following new sub-clause to sub-section 4(1) regarding application of the Sugar Development Fund in the Sugar Development Fund Act, 1982: “[…] for defraying expenditure for the purpose of financial assistance to sugar factories towards interest on loans given in terms of any scheme approved by the central government from time to time.”

The Amending Act also carried out an amendment in Section 3 of the Sugar Cess Act, to increase the sugar cess from Rs15 to Rs25 and to omit the provision to the said sub-section as it became redundant.

The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on 17 March 2008 and by Rajya Sabha on 19 March 2008. The Bill as passed by both Houses of Parliament was assented to by the President on 24 March 2008.

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TO B A G O

Historic moment in T&T Parliament GOVERNMENT SENT TO PRIVILEGES COMMITTEE A historic moment took place when the House Speaker Hon. Barendra Sinanan ruled that the government must face the Privileges Committee for its failure to answer over 100 questions on the Parliamentary Order Paper.

At the Parliamentary sitting, Opposition Chief Whip Hon. Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj raised a motion on the government’s failure to answer these questions as a matter of privilege of the House.

“The Opposition Members have been severely prejudiced and adversely affected in their duty to scrutinize the government and to make the government accountable to the House,” said Mr Maharaj.

He added that the government’s action of leaving questions unanswered for inordinate periods of time amounted to an affront to the House.

Furthermore, the House Standing Orders imposed a mandatory duty on the government to answer the questions which were listed on the order paper. He said: “The Prime Minister as Head of Government and as Head of Cabinet is responsible to the House for the aforesaid conduct of the government and its Ministers. My research shows that nowhere in the Commonwealth has a government conducted itself in such a manner.”

Mr Maharaj referred to Standing Order 43(5) which prohibits Members of the House from showing disregard for the ruling of the Speaker or to disregard the authority of the Chair. “The aforesaid conduct by the government amounts to a continuing breach of this standing order,” he added.

Mr Maharaj had continuously raised concerns over the deferral of questions, imploring the Speaker to intervene,

Parliaments jealously safeguards. Thus, this House and this House alone possesses the power to declare an act to be contempt of the House. Not even the Speaker can do that”.

PM OUTLINES NEW CONSTITUTIONAL PROPOSALS

Hon. Barendra Sinanan and every time the matter was raised, Mr Sinanan pleaded with the government to answer the questions on a timely basis.

Mr Sinanan ruled that the government should face possible contempt of the House, saying that “it is not my task to hold an enquiry into this matter. All I am required to do is consider whether the rather novel submissions of the honourable Member for Tabaquite point to a reasonable possibility that contempt has occurred”.

“However, I have carefully considered this matter which has been submitted to me, against the background of principles relating to contempt. In doing so, I have examined all appropriate authorities, including our own constitution, and I am of the view that a prima facie case of contempt has been made out,” he added.

He made it clear that he was not expressing a concluded view on these matters, saying that “it is for your Committee of the Privileges to do, after a full consideration and investigation of this issue. In the circumstances, I refer the matter to the Committee of Privileges of this House for investigation and report”.

Mr Sinanan finished saying that “this power is a right that

Hon. Patrick Manning announced new and far-reaching proposals for constitutional reform, including significant changes regarding his judiciary and the Director of Public Prosecutions, as well as the appointment of permanent secretaries.

Proposals included a presidential system – including Cabinet governance – rather than an executive president.

Mr Manning outlined the proposals into the public domain during the PNM convention and stressed that the proposals were not his own or his government’s, but had been

•

•

•

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Hon. Patrick Manning formulated by a round table of academics and politicians who had produced a working document. He said “there is a principal that runs right through the document-accountability”.

He added that the proposals were far-reaching and would involve a completely new system of government.They would also require a special majority for parliamentary passage.

The proposals included: • A presidential system of government, rather than

•

•

an executive President.

Ministers will be advisers to the President. A role for collective decisionmaking by a Cabinet will be enshrined in the con stitution. It will preserve Cabinet governance while moving to the superior arrangement that the presidential system will afford.

The President will address Parliament twice a year on the state of Trinidad and Tobago.This will be the subject to debate.The Finance Minister will present a budget. Government departments will be accountable to a parlia mentary committee.

The Cabinet will be selected mainly from outside the Parliament. It includes six persons from either House of Parliament.

The judiciary will be inde pendent in judicial func tions, but it is proposed that administrative func tions associated with the judiciary are a matter for the executive, and will be carried out through a Ministry of Justice.

The Director of Public Prosecutions must be independent on criminal matters.The system also allows for consultation between AG and DPP. Recruitment of perma nent secretaries for min istries from outside the public service.

Senators from the local government sector will give local government a say in Parliament. Each body will nominate one person to the Senate.

This will increase govern ment Senators from 16 to 24 and opposition Senators from six to 10.

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No position will be formulated on Tobago until discussions with the Tobago House of Assembly.

SEEKING SUPPORT FROM THE OPPOSITION The ruling Peoples National Movement has been seeking Opposition support for Bills which require a special majority as a condition for government’s support for the Opposition Leader Hon. Basdeo Panday to return to Parliament before his suspension ends in December.

Panday was suspended earlier his year for failing to follow the Speaker Mr Sinanan’s ruling to not using a laptop during a sitting of the House of Representatives.

Mr Maharaj held discussions with Prime Minister Mr Manning on the issue of lifting the suspension, since any decision to lift the suspension would require government’s majority support by motion.

Mr Panday has stated that he would not engage in any horse trading for his party’s support for proposed Legislation by the PNM in exchange for his return to Parliament.

Deputy Political Leaders included Hon.JoanYuille-Williams, Hon. Nafeesa Mohammed and Mr Orville London, Chairman of the Tobago House of Assembly.The Prime Minister chose his Deputies at the PNM

REAPPOINTMENT OF DEPUTIES Sen. the Hon. Dr Lenny Saith was one of the four people appointed as Deputy Political Leader of the ruling Peoples National Movement

by Prime Minister Manning.

Former Senators who also retained their appointments as

Mrs Kamla Persad-Bissessar convention.

Former leaders who were not reappointed included the recently dismissed Hon. Dr Keith Rowley and Mr Ken

Valley, a former Minister who did not appear at the last polls.

CHANGE IN INTEGRITY LEGISLATION The government is taking steps to amend the Integrity in Public Life Legislation, in order to exclude Chairmen, Directors of State Boards as well as members of the judiciary, so that they will not be required to file declarations.

Meanwhile, Member of the Opposition United National Congress, Mrs Kamla Persad-Bissessar, said the Opposition would oppose the move as it could only be amended with two-thirds of the support of all Members of the House requiring 28 votes.

The government only received 26 votes.

Third Reading ~ British Columbia ELECTORAL DISTRICTS ACT ELECTORAL REFORM REFERENDUM 2009 Two significant pieces of legislation were adopted by the House that will reshape how British Columbians elect their provincial representatives. In an effort to maintain effective representation in the province’s sparsely populated northern and interior regions, government and opposition members voted unanimously in favour of the Electoral Districts Act (Bill 19).The Act increases the number of electoral districts to 85, from the current 79 seats.

In doing so, Members of the Legislative Assembly amended, in part, the final recommendations made by B.C.’s independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (EBC) — which recommended eliminating two rural ridings and adding six new ridings in areas with growing populations.

The Electoral Boundaries Commission’s final report clearly stated that “given its statutory and constitutional mandate in the fundamentals of representation by population”, it could not

make the case to save the two remote ridings as a part of its main recommendations. However, as the EBC had experienced significant public and political backlash against its early proposals to eliminate rural ridings, the Commission included a proposal to restore the existing northern and interior ridings within the report’s appendices. Though formally not proposed by the Commission — as the included ridings would significantly increased the number of ridings in excess of a 25 per cent deviation from the provincial average population per riding — Members ultimately adopted this option.

The Electoral District Act is also significant in that it permits for the first time the identification of electoral boundaries through digital mapping technology rather than using the traditional method of metes and bounds.

Also endorsed unanimously by Members was the Electoral Reform Referendum 2009 Act (Bill 6). This legislation provides British Columbians with a second opportunity to vote on electoral reform.The 2005 electoral reform referendum was inconclusive: 57.39 per cent

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of the population endorsed adopting a proposal put forward by B.C.’s non-partisan Citizen Assembly on Electoral Reform, falling just short of the 60 per cent threshold established by government to implementing a single transferable ballot with multi-member ridings (BC-STV).

To provide more detail on the proposal, the legislation authorizes an expenditure of C$500,000 for each of the ‘for’ and ‘against’ sides of the debate on electoral reform. The government will also fund a neutral referendum information office, as it did in 2005.

Unlike the 2005 referendum, the public will also have information on the size and number of representatives allocated to each proposed multi-member riding, as outlined in the EBC’s final report.

In order for the government to implement BC-STV, at least 60 per cent of the province wide popular vote and majority support in at least 60 per cent of the province’s electoral districts is required. If the referendum vote is successful, BC-STV will be in place for the 2013 provincial general election.

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Amendment to controversial Bill HUMAN FERTILISATION AND EMBRYOLOGY BILL The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill has been progressing through its stages in the House of Commons in the last few months. The Bill has been controversial as it changes the legislative framework for assisted reproduction and makes changes to the regulation and licensing of the use of human embryos in research and therapy. The Bill makes changes to the ethical treatment of artificial reproduction, banning the selection of embryos for fertilisation on the basis of sex and providing that the “need for supportive parenting” is taken into account during fertility treatment, rather than the “need for a father”. Similarly, the Bill provides for the recognition of same sex couples as parents.

Due to the sensitivity of these issues, the Bill is the product of consultations which started some years ago. In 2005 the government conducted a public consultation on changing

Rt Hon. Alan Johnson the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990, which led to the publication of a White Paper the following year.A draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill was published in 2007 and a Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament was established to scrutinize the Bill. Following the recommendations and conclusions of

the Joint Committee, an amended Bill was printed, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.The Bill began its parliamentary stages in the House of Lords in November.

The Bill received its second reading in the House of Commons on 12 May. Secretary of State the Rt Hon. Alan Johnson introduced the debate, saying that “Parliament’s objective has always been to support scientific advances that benefit patients and their families, through a clear legal, moral and ethical framework that provides proper controls and safeguards and reflects the concerns that many people have about research involving stem cells and embryology”. He said that the U.K’s regulatory body on assisted reproduction, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, had “attracted international respect and admiration”. The government proposed to commit the most controversial parts of the Bill to a Committee of the whole House, allowing all Members to contribute to the debate and vote on each part, rather than restricting the clause by clause analysis of the Bill to a smaller Public Bill Committee. The Secretary of State said that current legislation needed amending to take account of scientific advances including the creation of “admixed embryos”, which combine human and animal genetic material for research purposes. Furthermore, there had been significant social change since the original Act was passed in 1990, which necessitated the provisions of the Bill aimed at same sex couples. He stated that “assisted reproduction brings happiness and fulfilment to millions of people.

Stem cell research has enormous potential to develop

new cures for degenerative and other life-threatening diseases…we should continue to support such research in order to exploit advances in medical science, but only provided that there are clear safeguards within the ethical and moral framework that ParliaMr Andrew Lansley

ment has established with such skill and sensitivity”.

The shadow Secretary of State for Health, Mr Andrew Lansley (Conservative) emphasized the importance of ethics in deciding what scientists should and should not do.

He said that “the testing of embryos to prevent the implantation of an embryo with an inherited or genetic condition will, in many cases, be in the best interests of that child if the condition is lifethreatening or would severely impair their quality of life”. He went on to argue against the Bill’s provisions obliging clinics offering assisted reproduction services to take into account the need for “supportive parenting” instead of “the need for a father”. He said that “it is in the interests of every child to have a mother and a father, but if no father is present—as is, unhappily, the case for many children today—a male role model should be available”. Mr Norman Lamb (Liberal Democrats) began by saying that his party’s policy position was “to be pro-science and in favour of research, but within

proper limits and with proper safeguards”. He said that he favoured further research using embryos and admixed embryos as he had “witnessed the horror of degenerative and genetic conditions”. Using human-animal embryos would address the problem of inadequate supplies of human eggs for research, which could only be extracted from a woman after a physically demanding process. However, he “[understood] the concerns, because we are dealing with a challenging concept and there is a sense that it blurs the distinction between animals and humans, creating unnatural entities”. On the “need for a father”, he stated that “there is evidence that children raised by single women are more likely to be disadvantaged, but that is not true of children born to single women or lesbian couples who choose to start a family on their own through assisted conception”.

The debate was discussed from a wide range of viewpoints. Later in the debate, Mrs Iris Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) said she spoke as a born-again Christian, and that her approach to the Bill was guided by “the central fact that we are all created in the image of God”.This meant that “the creation of hybrid embryos undermines our dignity and is fundamentally disrespectful of the boundaries of nature”, which makes a clear differentiation between human beings and animals. She said that human embryo research had “absorbed a huge amount of taxpayers’ money but delivered no therapies”.

She also objected to the removal of the guidance on the “need for a father”, saying that “children flourish when nurtured in a family with two parents of the opposite sex who work together and com-

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Parliamentary Report plement each other. That is God’s design and intention”.

The Minister of State, Rt. Hon. Dawn Primarolo, concluded the debate by saying that the Bill “seeks a pragmatic fusion between science and the social mores of today”.The government had “listened carefully to wide-ranging and deep-seated views on each side of the issue” but that the Bill was “a means to ensure that effective regulation applies, while also allowing scientific endeavour that promises advances in the knowledge and understanding of some serious diseases”.The Bill proceeded to its Committee stage, and will return to the floor of the House for Third Reading after the summer recess.

REFORM OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS On 14 July the Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor, Rt. Hon. Jack Straw published a White Paper entitled An Elected Second Chamber: further reform of the House of Lords. In his statement in the House of Commons, the Lord Chancellor said that the White Paper was the product of cross-party talks which had been going on

for the last 12 months. The proposals in the White Paper reflected a debate which had been held in both Houses on reform of the House of Lords

Rt Hon. Dawn Primarolo in March 2007. The House of Commons had voted for a wholly or partly elected second Chamber, whereas the House of Lords had voted for a fully appointed second Chamber, and the White Paper was based on the decision of the House of Commons, which is the primary Chamber.

The White Paper proposes the election of Members of the House of Lords for single terms of 12 to 15 years and the reduction of the number of Members from around 700 to between 400 and 450. The reforms would not be carried forward until after the next general election.

The Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State, Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, repeated the Statement in the House of Lords. In the comments which followed, the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Lords, Rt. Hon. the Lord Strathclyde (Conservative) said that the crossparty talks had revealed substantial areas of agreement and disagreement. He said that there must be no reduction in the powers of the House of Lords and that Members should be elected for long, non-renewable terms of office so that they were "free of coercion and as independent as possible from threats and rewards by party Whips". He also stated that the second Chamber should not be fully elected, as there should be seats reserved for religious leaders and Members with no party allegiance. The importance of reform lay in the fact that "the Executive is too strong and Parliament...is too weak to restrain it properly.

We have too many laws in this country and too many lawmakers who lack the capacity or authority to prevent or improve them". Reform offered the opportunity to strengthen Parliament's ability

to hold the government to account. Lord Tyler of Linkinhorne (Liberal Democrats) followed Lord Strathclyde and welcomed the White Paper but questioned the commitment of the Conservative Party to reform. He also questioned why it was necessary for reforms to be delayed until after the next general election.

Baroness D'Souza, Convenor of the Cross-Bench Peers, said that the crossbench peers had "a deeply felt concern that some of the measures proposed will have an undoubtedly deleterious effect on the chief functions of this House and on legislation more generally". The reforms in the White Paper ignored the vote of the House of Lords in March 2007 for an appointed Chamber, and an elected second Chamber would lead to politicization of the Chamber, increased competition with the House of Commons and a decrease in the expertise of Members. Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, said that the White Paper reflected the comprehensive cross-party discussions although it was inevitable that areas of disagreement remained, which was why reforms would be proceeded with in a measured way.

Third Reading ~ British Columbia GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION (RENEWABLE AND LOW CARBON FUEL REQUIREMENT) ACT As one component of the government’s extensive legislative pledge to tackle climate change, the Minister of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources, Hon. Richard Neufeld, sponsored the Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Renewable and Low Carbon Fuel Requirements) Act. The Act requires diesel and gasoline sold in the province in 2010 to be, on average, comprised of five per cent renewable fuel and the adoption of stricter standards for the amount of carbon emitted per unit of energy in transportation fuels. This broad-based enabling legislation also permits the establishment

of new regulations concerning the definitions of renewable fuels and the monitoring of fuel composition. Opposition Members spoke in support of a proposed amendment calling on the government to refer Bill 16 to a parliamentary committee for additional consultations on the potential social and environmental impacts of an increased reliance on biofuels; however, they opted to vote against the legislation when their amending motion was defeated by the House.

PUBLIC SAFETY AND SOLICITOR GENERAL (GIFT CARD CERTAINTY) STATUTES AMENDMENT ACT 2008 Following a Private Member’s Bill intro-

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duced last session by Opposition Member Mr Guy Gentner, as well as similar actions taken by the other Canadian jurisdictions, Solicitor General Hon. John van Dongen proposed amendments to the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act to prohibit expiry dates and service charges associated with sale of retail gift cards.

In bringing forward these amendments, the Solicitor General explained that the legislation was developed following a consultation process with the retail sector as well as concerned individuals. The amendments do not include gift cards and financial services sectors which are covered by federal statute.

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Delivery of the ninth Budget BUDGET 2008 On 22 May the Minister of Finance, Hon. Dr Michael Cullen, delivered his ninth Budget, which he described as “continuing to build a fair society and a strong economy against an economic background which is the most challenging New Zealand has faced in over a decade”. He added that “a very large part of this challenge is generated by international forces which are well outside of our control”.

Dr Cullen said that following on from a “significant programme of tax reductions since 2004” Budget 2008 built on the resultant growth dividend with “a substantial programme of personal and family tax cuts beginning on 1 October this year, with second and third stages occurring on 1 April 2010 and 1 April 2011. This programme consists of a combination of a cut in the bottom rate of income tax, threshold changes, a simplification of the structure of the income tax system, a bringing forward of indexation of Working for Families, and a forecast second round of such indexation”.

Hon. Michael Cullen

He then reported that “the tax cut programme and the bringing forward of the Working for Families adjust-

ments will be included in legislation [the Taxation (Personal Tax Cuts, Annual Rates, and Remedial Matters) Bill] to be introduced and passed later today”.

Rt. Hon Helen Clark After moving an amendment expressing no confidence in the government, Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Key, said that “it may have been [Dr Cullen’s] election-year Budget, but it was also his valedictory.When it came to the tax cuts it was far too little and it was far too late. It is pretty interesting that this is the Finance Minister who has been telling New Zealanders for nine years that they cannot have a tax cut. But guess what? In four or five months’ time there will be an election, and two weeks beforehand Michael Cullen, after nine years, will give a tax cut that he does not believe in”.

In contrast, Mr Key said, “under National, tax cuts are a priority...it is a pretty simple message: under National, New Zealanders will do better”.

But according to the Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Helen Clark,“the only thing John Key confirmed today was that any tax cut he gives will be funded by cuts in public spending”.

Ms Jeanette Fitzsimons (Co-Leader—Green) said: “the people who have the power have a clear choice: either they

face inconvenient truths that are very obviously around us, or they leave it to their grandchildren to face those truths when it may be too late. But the one thing that gets this Parliament excited is tax cuts. This Budget…is ignoring the urgent need to respond to climate change, peak oil, and resource depletion. It is a long, long way behind, and the tragedy is that National is even further behind”.

The no confidence amendment was defeated by 67 votes to 50.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE LEGISLATION On 19 June, Hon. Annette King, Minister of Justice, moved the third readings of the Crimes Amendment Bill (No. 3), the Criminal Disclosure Bill, the District Courts Amendment Bill (No. 5), the Juries Amendment Bill, the Summary Proceedings Amendment Bill (No. 4) and the Victims’ Rights Amendment Bill—all divided from the Criminal Procedure Bill.

“The overall purpose of [the legislation] is to maximize efficiency and fairness in the criminal justice system”, said Mrs King, explaining that it would “introduce 11:1 majority verdicts instead of the current unanimous requirement. There are a number of reasons for this change. It helps to address the problem of rogue jurors who refuse to participate in deliberations and produce a hung jury for reasons outside the merits of the case.Another reason is to prevent a single juror from being pressured by the other 11 to return a verdict that goes against his or her conscience”.

Other reforms would “allow judge-alone trials in cases where the case is likely

to be long and complex, and in cases involving juror intimidation. The bill also creates two exceptions to the double jeopardy rule, which currently provides that a person can be tried only once for an offence.The first exception is where the accused has committed an administration of justice offence that results in his or her acquittal—a tainted acquittal. The second exception is where there is new and compelling evidence that was not available at the time of the first trial and indicates that the accused committed the offence of which

Dr Richard Worth

he or she was acquitted.

Another major area of reform is the replacement of oral preliminary hearings with committal on the basis of formal written statements unless the court orders an oral hearing”.

According to Dr Richard Worth (National) “many in the legal profession and on the edge of the legal profession…will have some concern about [the legislation]. But it does have the support of National”.

Mr Nandor Tanczos (Green), opposing the changes, explained that “the unanimous view of all of the lawyers I spoke to, every single one— defence and prosecution—was that getting rid of depositions hearings would be a terrible

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Parliamentary Report mistake. Depositions hearings speed trials up, the lawyers told me...they bring out the arguments, and allow early identification of what evidence needs to be tested and what is not in dispute.”

However, Mr Christopher Finlayson (National), thought the legislation would “go some way towards alleviating the pressures in the criminal justice system.”, but considered that “a lot more has to be done; I would even go so far as to say there should be a fundamental rethink of whether the purely adversarial system of criminal trials is the right way to proceed, or whether we should be moving towards some sort of inquisitorial system.”

The legislation passed by Mr Christopher Finlayson

108 votes to 11.

HISTORIC TREATY SETTLEMENTS IN NEW ZEALAND’S PARLIAMENT The largest and most expensive Treaty of Waitangi settlement between the New Zealand government and Maori was signed at Parliament in June 2008. Since 1975 Maori have been able to lodge claims in recompense for breaches by the Crown of the 1840 treaty, and ongoing treaty settlements have seen many tribes regain ownership of some confiscated land, and receive compensation and formal apologies.

On 25 June, around 800

Maori representatives of seven tribes from across the central North Island came to Parliament to be part of a settlement signing, for a deal in which 176,000 hectares of Crown land and assets were handed back to Maori. Speaking on the same day in the first reading debate on the Central North Island Forests Land Collective Settlement Bill, which puts that settlement into law, Treaty Negotiations Minister Dr Michael Cullen explained:“This settlement will make the collective”—the seven iwi, or tribes—“the largest single landowner in this country,” of “forest land to the value of $196 million.”

On 24 June the Affiliate Te Arawa Iwi and Hapu Claims Settlement Bill had received its first reading. This was legislation to put into law the signing on that day of a separate, more traditional, settlement, to transfer some Crown-owned resources and lands of special significance to the affiliate—lands separate from those negotiated with the central North Island collective—and to enable increased management of Crown-owned land and assets.

Speaking in the first reading of that Bill, National member Hon. Georgina te Heuheu told the House: “The important feature of these settlements is…how a nation State treats its indigenous population in terms of addressing longstanding historic injustice.”

DEBATE ON RAIL AND FERRY PURCHASE On 13 May the House held an urgent debate on the government’s decision to purchase the rail and ferry operations of Australian firm Toll Holdings.

Mr Key, considered “it is certainly a laudable objective to get more freight on rail, but we do not need to own the train set to do that”, arguing

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“we now have the worst of all scenarios: we own a business that we do not know how to run. We own a business that

freight as possible by train makes a lot of sense”, but because the system “is seriously run down…the government will have to keep its nerve to continue investing” in it.

CROWN APOLOGY TO THE VIETNAM VETERANS

Hon. Georgina te Heuheu

we could never sell, even if we wanted to, for the kind of money that Toll got”. He also opined that “the government has left Toll with the really valuable bits of the business…with the freight forwarding business.”

However, Dr Cullen said “the government is proud to reverse…the failed experiment in a privatized rail system”, pointing out “we have never been able to enforce the National Rail Access Agreement”, and “it was a bottomless pit of ongoing growing subsidies going to a foreign-owned asset to extract profits from New Zealand”. He added “we know we can create…an efficient, effective rail system”.

Mr Peter Brown (Deputy Leader—NZ First) was “delighted that the railway will come back into New Zealand ownership”, and asked “why would we expect an overseas organization…to service the long-term interests of New Zealanders if these are in conflict with the requirements of its shareholders? he said the government “can take a…strategic overview and…develop [the system] so that it gives a huge advantage to New Zealand economically and socially”. For Ms Fitzsimons, “in an energy-constrained world, sending as much

On 28 May, representatives of all parties in the House spoke in support of the Crown apology to New Zealand veterans of the Vietnam War and their families.

Ms Clark said the Crown extended the apology “for the manner in which their loyal service in the name of New Zealand was not recognized as it should have been, when it should have been, and for the inadequate support extended to them and their families after their return home from the conflict”. She placed on record the Crown’s respect for the service of nearly 3,400 New Zealanders who served in Vietnam between June 1964 and December 1972.

Mr Key said the veterans suffered the “indignity” of two reports, both of which reached conclusions that all veterans knew to be wrong.“I

Hon.Tariana Turia

hope that this apology and the acceptance, finally, that New Zealanders were exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam will go some way towards making up for our previous failings.”

Hon. Tariana Turia (Co-

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Parliamentary Report Leader—Maori Party), noted that 65 per cent of those serving in Vietnam—about 2,000—were Maori. She said that instead of returning to a hero’s welcome the veterans “were hassled by customs officers… smuggled back in the deep of the night…refused full entry to the Returned Services Association and instructed not to wear their medals of service”.

MOTION: ZIMBABWE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION On 24 June the Prime Minister moved an expression of outrage regarding “the violence and intimidation in Zimbabwe” during the presidential election, calling on

Hon. John Key

President Robert Mugabe “to step down for the good of his country”, and urging regional efforts to work for the holding of free and fair elections.

The motion was agreed unanimously by the House.

Mr Key said that “one of the most prosperous, fertile, productive countries in Africa

could be reduced, through the deliberate actions of its government, to being the total basket case that Zimbabwe has become today is surely both an economic and humanitarian tragedy”.

VALEDICTORY STATEMENT— NANDOR TANCZOS Green Party member Mr Tanczos, the Green Party Member and New Zealand’s first Rastafarian MP, delivered his valedictory statement to the House on 26 June, bringing to an end his nine year career in Parliament: “I stood…to demonstrate that we do not have to be of this world to be effective in it. My purpose here has been to represent those who have had no voice here—those

held in contempt by too many of us.”

Mr Tanczos is one of a number of party list MPs who have resigned this year as the political parties seek to prepare themselves for the general election to be held later in the year.

Mr Nandor Tanczos

Third Reading ~ New Zealand SUMMARY OFFENCES (TAGGING AND GRAFFITI VANDALISM) AMENDMENT BILL There was a third reading of the Summary Offences (Tagging and Graffiti Vandalism) Amendment Bill, which amends the Summary Offences Act 1981, on 19 June.

Deputy Leader of the House Hon. Darren Hughes, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Justice, said the Bill amended the Act by “creating specific offences of tagging, graffiti vandalism, and defacing; creating a specific offence for possession of graffiti implements in circumstances where it can be reasonably assumed that they are intended to be used to commit a graffiti offence; prohibiting the sale of spray-cans to under-18-year-olds; and restricting access to spray-cans in stores so that the public cannot access them without the assistance of a shop employee”.

Mr Hughes applauded the the Bill’s option of community-based sentences, whereby “offenders clean up the damage they have caused”.

Hon. George Hawkins (Labour—

Manurewa) said he was “quite chuffed” when his Manukau City Council (Control of Graffiti) Bill was passed by the House on 16 April. “But I am even happier today, because the Summary Offences (Tagging and Graffiti Vandalism) Amendment Bill is for all of New Zealand.”

Pansy Wong (National) said the Bill “will take over George Hawkins’ Bill, but it will not take away any credit from him as the local member championing the local issue”. She agreed that the legislation “will not make graffiti disappear, but it is the right start”.

Hone Harawira (Maori Party—Te Tai Tokerau) said “we will not stop tagging by increasing the penalty (NZD$1,500) for people who sell spray-cans to teenagers…poor places will still be tagged, and rich places will not.That will continue until we start to address the root causes of poverty”.

INJURY PREVENTION, REHABILITATION AND COMPENSATION AMENDMENT BILL (NO 2) In a significant extension to accident

compensation, the Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Compensation Amendment Bill (No 2), which had its third reading on 26 June, Hon. Maryan Street, Minister for ACC, reported that it introduced “cover for a mental injury caused by exposure to a sudden traumatic event in the course of employment”. Ms Street explained that this does not extend to “work-related mental injuries caused by a gradual process…or the temporary distress that constitutes a normal response to trauma”. Mr David Bennett (National) regretted that the legislation “will not provide any support for people who have suffered that kind of mental injury in the past”. He was also concerned about “the exemption of non-workrelated injury”, and that “there will be major costs for…employers, but…we do not have a concrete figure to work with”. Dr Pita Sharples (Co-Leader— Maori Party) welcomed other provisions “to improve access to compensation for previously disenfranchised groups, particularly those engaged in non-standard work…and…in seasonal and casual work.”

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Increased tax to reduce binge drinking ALCOPOPS - RETROSPECTIVE TAX LEGISLATION As part of the 2008-2009 Budget, the government proposed an increase in tax on readymade alcoholic drinks otherwise known as ‘alcopops’. This formed part of the government’s strategy to reduce binge drinking particularly Hon. Wayne Swan

Mr Nelson continued by commenting that “any parent, let alone a health economist, will confirm that, if you jack up the price of alcohol in isolation from other measures, kids will simply move to another form of alcohol or a drug”.

The alcopops tax measure has been introduced and the additional tax is now being applied in the market. The legislation, however, has not been passed in the Senate.

This approach of imposing a tax from the time it is announced and before validating legislation is passed is not uncommon. The Senate Procedural Bulletin notes that “provisions in the customs and excise legislation authorise the collection of Hon. Brendan Nelson

among young people.

The Treasurer, Hon. Wayne Swan, stated that “our National Binge Drinking Strategy brings the tax treatment of ‘ready-to-drink’ alcoholic beverages in line with full-strength spirits to help address binge drinking among young Australians, particularly young women”.

The opposition, however, was not convinced that the alcopops tax would not provide a disincentive to consuming these types of drinks but instead move people towards drinking stronger spirits.

The opposition concluded that this measure was a mere tax grab and the legislation would be opposed.

The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Brendan Nelson stated that “the National Drug Strategy household survey confirms binge drinking by young women since 2001 has actually declined and alcohol abstinence in this group has increased”.

customs and excise tariffs from the time of announcement for 12 months before the legislation is passed, by barring legal action against the collection during that period”.

The prospect that validating legislation may not be passed has not arisen in practice.

At this stage, there is growing interest that the alcopops legislation may not be passed but in the meantime the tax has been charged.

On 17 June the Senate passed a motion, on the initiative of the Greens,

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expressing opposition to the tax increases in the absence of a more comprehensive plan to deal with alcohol abuse.

The Senate Procedural Bulletin noted that the “possibility of the rejection of a tax already collected for some months is therefore again on the horizon”.

Ms Sharon Grierson

REPORT ON AUSTRALIA’S TAXATION SYSTEM The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has found that Australia’s taxation system is too complex and governments in Australia should consult more with relevant stakeholders in the early stages of developing tax policy.

The joint committee noted that “complex tax laws increase the chance of taxpayer error and increases their risk”.

In 2004, Australia had the third most complex tax system of the 20 largest economies in the world as determined by their gross domestic product.

In relation to the quality and effectiveness of tax administration, the committee received evidence that the Australian Taxation Office was a world leader in tax administration.

The Chair of the committee, Ms Sharon Grierson, stated that “an important initiative from this inquiry was the agreement of the Commissioner of Taxation to appear before the committee twice each year and answer questions about developments in tax law administration”.

The committee concluded that widely agreed tax policy would deliver simpler legislation and a simpler tax system.

SENATE REFERENCES TO COMMITTEES During June the Senate referred a series of inquiries to Senate and Joint Committees with the requirement that they not report before a certain date.

For example, the Excise Legislation Amendment (Condensate) Bill 2008 was referred to the Senate Economics Committee for inquiry and report not before 26 August 2008.

Similarly, the Commonwealth Electoral (Political Donations and Other Measures) Bill 2008 was referred to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters for inquiry and report on 30 June 2009.

The clear intention of the Senate was to prevent these committees from reporting earlier.

The question arose as to how binding these reporting dates were on the committees. Senate Standing Order 25(18) provides that “a committee may report from time to time its proceedings and evidence taken and any recommendation, and shall make regular reports on the progress of its proceedings”.

Similarly, the resolution of appointment for Joint Standing Committees provides that these committees “may report from time to time”.

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Parliamentary Report The Clerk of the Senate, Mr Harry Evans, commented that “if a committee chooses to report its substantive conclusions on a matter referred to it by means of a report under this explicit authorization in the standing order, there is nothing to prevent it doing so”. A committee could then report on the date specified in the Senate reference and refer to the earlier report.

In addition to specifying reporting dates, the Senate has also, in some references to committees, specified that

committees conduct public hearings in regional centres.

For example, the Senate resolved that the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters in conducting an inquiry into the 2007 federal election should “undertake hearings in all capital cities and major regional centres”.

Often committees do not receive submissions from regional centres so it may not be possible for the committee to comply with the Senate reference.

The Clerk of the Senate commented that “if a com-

mittee has received no submissions from a specified place, it may choose not to hold hearings there on the basis that there is no evidence to be heard”.

The Senate Standing Orders also provide for committees to take evidence by electronic means. So if there were only a small number of witnesses from regional centres a committee could elect to take evidence by a telephone conference rather than travelling to a distant destination.

NORTHERN TERRITORY ELECTION The Northern Territory Election was held on 9 August almost 11 months earlier than required. The Territory Labor Government, led by Chief Minister, Hon. Paul Henderson, was returned but suffered a nine per cent swing.

Early counting suggests that Labor will hold 13 seats in the 25 seat Legislative Assembly and the Country Liberal Party will increase from four to 11 seats. There is one independent Member.

Third Reading ~ Australia THE FAMILY ASSISTANCE LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (CHILDCARE BUDGET AND OTHER MEASURES) ACT 2008 This Act removes the minimum rate of childcare benefit, increases the child care tax rebate to 50 per cent and increases the annual limit to AUS$7,500.

The Minister for Education, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Minister for Social Inclusion, Hon. Julia Gillard, MP, commented that “lifting workforce participation is one of the key aspects of the Rudd government’s five point fight against inflation”.

She added that “we know that for many parents the accessibility and affordability of quality child care affects their decisions about staying in or returning to the workforce”.

More than 700,000 Australian families use childcare each year and in the last five years child care costs have risen faster than other goods and services. For example, in the 12 months to June 2007, childcare costs rose by 12.8 per cent.

Ms Gillard commented that this “is why federal Labor developed its Affordable Child Care Plan — a AUS$1.6 billion investment in the future of Australian families and in Australia’s future economic prosperity”.

Ms Gillard raised that the govern-

ment’s measures would increase the child care rebate from 30 per cent to 50 per cent of out-of-pocket childcare costs up to $7500 per child per year. In addition, the rebate would also be paid quarterly instead of annually “helping parents to meet the costs of child care as they arise”.

The Act also includes a range of measures that make improvements to childcare benefit compliance. Ms Gillard stated that “this includes extending pecuniary penalties to service providers who contravene their obligations under the current legislation”. The Bill also amends powers of entry for authorized officers to improve their ability to determine if a service is complying with family assistance law.

Ms Gillard advised that from July 2008 there would no longer be a minimum rate of child care benefit. She explained that “this is an extension of the current system where a family’s income affects the amount of childcare benefit they receive. Instead of reducing down to a minimum rate it will reduce down to zero. This means that high income families will no longer receive any childcare benefit”.

Ms Gillard concluded that “overall families will gain more assistance through the childcare tax rebate changes than they lose in childcare benefit”.

The Shadow Minister for Families, Community Services, Indigenous Affairs and the Voluntary Sector, Hon. Tony Abbott, commented that this legislation “involves a means test that should have been announced prior to the election”.

He added that “a means test is a means test, and some people will not get the benefit that they were led to expect because of this secret means test which the government has sprung on the Australian public subsequent to the election”.

During consideration of the legislation in the House, Mr Abbott advised that “the opposition will be moving an amendment against this dishonest means test, and we certainly intend to divide on the amendment although, in the end, we do not intend to obstruct the passage of the legislation as a whole”.

Mr Abbott affirmed that the Opposition would not oppose the increase in the cost of the child care rebate from 30 per cent to 50 per cent.

However, Mr Abbott noted that this move “has effectively given hardpressed operators of childcare services a green light to increase their prices”.

At the same time, Mr Abbott dismissed attempts by the Government to monitor child care prices as a potential bureaucratic nightmare.

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Lengthy debate gains MPs trust GOVERNMENT WINS TRUST VOTE The UPA government headed by the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh sought the confidence of the Lok Sabha after remaining in office for over four years, following the withdrawal of support by the Left Parties on the issue Indo-US Agreement on Cooperation for Peaceful uses of Nuclear Energy. The Left ParDr Manmohan Singh

ties were against the Agreement as it was against India’s vital interests and wanted the government not to go to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for approval of safeguards agreement. The Joint UPA-Left Committee, which had been established to resolve the differences with regards to the Agreement, was scheduled to have its next meeting on 10 July 2008.

When Dr Singh said that the government would soon go to the IAEA with the safeguards agreement, the Left Parties declared they would withdraw their support to the government. On 9 July 2008, leaders of the four Left Parties, who were providing external support to the government, met the President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil and handed over their letters of withdrawal of support to the UPA government.The Left Parties also submitted a list containing the names of 60 Members of Lok Sabha

belonging to these parties and requested the President to direct the Prime Minister to seek a vote of confidence in the Lok Sabha in view of the withdrawal of support by them. Soon after, leaders of the Samajwadi Party (SP) met the President and submitted a letter along with a list of 39 party MPs reiterating their support extended earlier to the Congress-led UPA government, which according to them was never withdrawn. In light of this, the President requested the Prime Minister to meet her on 10 July 2008 to have his views on these developments. The Prime Minister stated that he and his cabinet colleagues were keen to seek a vote of confidence as early as possible and assured her to communicate the precise date of summoning the Lok Sabha.

On the advice of the Prime Minister and his Cabinet, the President summoned the Lok Sabha to meet to enable the government to seek a vote of confidence. On 21 July, as soon as the Lok Sabha met, the Speaker, Hon. Somnath Chatterjee, appealed to all sections of the House to have a dignified discussion.

The Prime Minister said that he had repeatedly assured all political parties including the Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil

Left Parties that if the government was allowed to complete the negotiations with the

262 The Parliamentarian 2008/Issue Three

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on its safeguards agreement, and after the decision of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), he would himself come to Parliament and seek its guidance before operationalizing the Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation Agreement, which the government intended to enter into. Stating that the withdrawal of support by the Left parties on the issue of government’s initiative seeking international co-operation in the development of civil nuclear energy necessitated the vote of confidence, the Prime Minister sought the support of the House on the basis of the government’s entire record in office over the past four years.

He assured the House that every single decision, every policy initiative that the government took, was taken in the fullest confidence that it was doing so in the best interests of the people and the country.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Shri L.K. Advani, opposed the motion, said that the controversy over the nuclear deal between the government and the Left Parties had been going on for nearly a year and it appeared that the government was paralyzed with no choice but to accept the deal. Neither the Opposition, nor the NDA, not even the Left parties with whom the BJP disagreed otherwise were responsible for bringing the motion. He said that the Opposition was not destabilizing the government; even the communists had been prolonging the whole matter trying to find a way out through the Joint UPA-Left Co-ordination Committee chaired by Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the most senior Minister in the government.

Shri Pranab Mukherjee

He assured the Committee that the government would go to the IAEA with safeguards only after obtaining consent of the Left Parties. Shri Mukherjee himself had publicly said that the government would not go to the IAEA before taking a vote of confidence from the House, and it was revealed that the government had sent the draft of the safeguards to the IAEA and even refused to show it to the Left parties.

Shri Advani asked that if the nuclear deal was in the best interest of the nation as claimed by the UPA government, why was it not mentioned in the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) or the manifesto of the Congress Party? It seemed the deal was not a deal between two sovereign countries but onebetween two individuals. He argued that the deal was being done in a way which would make India a junior partner and permanently a nonnuclear weapon State.

Shri Advani categorically made it clear that the Opposition was not against nuclear energy or maintaining a close relationship with America.

Irrespective of how strong or how powerful America was, the BJP and the NDA did not want India to be party to an unequal agreement. He said that the Hyde Act passed by U.S Congress not only

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imposed curbs on India’s nuclear options and nuclear autonomy but also imposed curbs on foreign policy. The majority of the members of Shri L.K. Advani

Lok Sabha did not agree with the interpretation of the nuclear deal by the government. Admitting that the constitution of India did not provide for ratification of an international agreement by Parliament, Shri Advani suggested for amending the constitution so that in certain cases relating to security and integrity of the country, Parliament’s approval had to be sought before entering into a deal. He said if the NDA were voted again to power, it would renegotiate this deal to make it a treaty between equals so that there were no constraints on India’s strategic options and strategic autonomy.

Shri Advani observed that if the government had followed the coalition dharma, there would have been no need for a confidence motion and the government could have continued in a state of paralysis right up to the elections. The moment the Left Parties withdrew support, the government was reduced to a minority and a minority government had no right to move ahead with any international agreement until it first proved its majority in the Parliament.

Shri Mohammad Salim (CPI-M) accused the Prime Minister of betraying the Left Parties who had extended support to the government on

the basis of a Common Minimum Programme. He said the Left Parties were against the deal as they thought it would compromise India’s foreign policy. He said that the government was abandoning the CMP to save the nuclear deal and wanted others to view the national interest of India under the influence of Washington.

Despite the assurances given by the government to the Left Parties not to operationalize the deal, the government decided to approach the IAEA on the matter of safeguards forcing the Left to withdraw their support to the government. The government’s pledge that the nuclear deal would guarantee more energy and power was misleading.

India was going to buy a constraint of 40 years, as the country would give its reactors to the IAEA under safeguards agreement for their inspection.

Shri Mukherjee, supported the motion and said the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement was an agreement and not a deal. India wanted to have civil nuclear co-operation with the international community through the Agreement, and particularly the 45 countries that have competence to enter into civil nuclear trade, who constituted the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). No other foreign policy issue was debated as intensively and extensively as the Civilian Nuclear Co-operation Agreement, claimed the Minister.

When the Hyde Act was passed, the government had said that there were prescriptive provisions which were not applicable to India and the country would not accept it.

The Civil Nuclear Co-operation agreement was not merely about getting energy; it would also end 30 years of isolation. NSG and IAEA clearance constituted the passports and visas and only after getting these passports and visas, the

government would decide whether to travel and to which destination. The Minister reiterated that the government would never compromise India’s independent foreign policy. Professor Ram Gopal Yadav (SP), supported the motion that if at any point of time there was any danger to the integrity and sovereignty of the country, India would take necessary steps to check, as there was nothing mentioned in the Civil Nuclear Agreement which prohibited the country from doing so.

Shri Devendra Prasad Yadav (RJD) said the government – despite having every right to enter into international agreements – endeavoured to take Parliament into confidence as the civilian nuclear agreement was necessary for meeting the country’s energy security.

Shri Brajesh Pathak (BSP) complained that nobody had explained what the nuclear deal was about and whether the people of India would benefit. He asserted that the deal would lead the country towards slavery as the country would be dependent on America and that country might impose sanctions at its will. The Minister of ShipShri Devendra Prasad Yadav

ping, Road Transport and Highways, Shri T.R. Baalu (DMK), said the country should not miss the opportunity to generate nuclear energy. He added that the Agreement would not affect India’s right to conduct nuclear tests in any manner and would put an end

to the technology denial regime against India that had been in place for more than three decades. Shri Anant Gangaram Geete (Shiv Sena) said if the government admitted to being in the minority, the Prime Minister should resign on moral grounds. It seemed the nuclear deal with America was the only issue being discussed and he wanted to know what the government was doing to control inflation.

Participating in the discussion, Shri B. Mahtab (BJD) said his party was not against nuclear energy or strategic alliance with the U.S but stated that the Agreement would put India in a subservient position. He wanted India to continue its pursuit to be recognized in the world as a nuclear weapons country.

Shri Anand Sharma (INC) said the decision for a nuclear deal was taken in view of the country’s pressing needs for energy and the escalating prices of fuel in particular. Stressing that the government had made efforts to reach a general consensus in an honest and transparent manner, he assured the House that India would be entering into this agreement assuming an equal status and not a subservient one. Shri Gurudas Dasgupta (CPI) said the withdrawal of support was the result of unilateral actions of the UPA government on many fronts and its failure to contain inflation, fundamentalism, income disparity, agricultural crisis and its efforts to bulldoze the IndiaUS nuclear deal. Shri Syed Shahnawaz Hussain (BJP) said the Agreement would bring India under a nonnuclear category and termed it as neither pro Muslim nor pro Hindu, but anti India. The Minister of State of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Shri Praful Patel (NCP) regretted that an important issue like energy security in the country

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was being discussed in a very ordinary and parochial manner. He said that not a single speaker had stated with authority as to what was the objectionable part of this Agreement. Shri Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa (SAD), opposing the motion, said his party was not against the deal but it should not happen at the cost of losing an ally like Iran.

Shri Prabunath Singh (JDU) said perhaps it was for the first time in the history that the House was divided on the issue of foreign policy. Shri M.A. Kharabela Swain (BJP) said there was no consensus on the issue and the government should not proceed to seek the IAEA Board’s approval until its implications were debated more fully with a group of experts.

Participating in the resumed discussion on 22 July, the Minister of Finance, Shri P. Chidambaram (INC), asserted that the UPA government did not move away from the CMP. Two more stages would have to be crossed before operationalization of the agreement, which was an agreement to enable full civil nuclear energy co-operation between the parties. The Hyde Act could not be invoked to refuse to perform obligations under a Treaty, and thus the Hyde Act would not bind India. Professor V.K Malhotra (BJP), alleged that UPA government’s four-year tenure was marked by its anti-people policies and its biggest crime was the abominable use of every available tactic to keep its minority government in power. Rahul Gandhi (INC) said as poverty was directly connected to energy security, growth would stop and India would not be able to fight poverty if energy was not secured. He suggested that instead of worrying about how the world would impact India, India should start worrying about how it would impact the world.

Shri Ananth Kumar (BJP)

charged the Prime Minister with keeping the whole country in darkness while announcing talks with the IAEA. He said even though India had the second-largest reserves of Thorium with 30 per cent of the total global reserves, which was sufficient to ensure India’s nuclear independence for perpetuity, the government was going ahead with a uranium-based nuclear deal with America, mortgaging national security and the nuclear option. He wanted to know whether the nuclear agreement between India and the U.S was going to be subject to the provisions of the Hyde Act. The Minister of Railways, Shri Lalu Prasad (RJD) said the Agreement would allow imports of uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group countries like Australia and Russia.

Shri Basudeb Shri B. Mahtab

Acharia (CPI-M) accused the Prime Minister of not fulfilling his assurances and properly addressing all the concerns of the Left Parties on the Nuclear Agreement and betraying them and the nation by deciding to go to the IAEA. The government had also failed to contain and control inflation. Shri Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM) while stating that a canard had been spread that Muslims were against the deal, blamed the Left Parties for neglecting Muslims in West Bengal. Ms Mehbooba Mufti (J&KPDP), supporting the motion, said BJP’s objection to the deal seemed to be superficial and the deal was not anti-

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minority. Even though the majority of Muslims and Muslim countries were against the policies of the U.S that did not stopped millions of Muslims from all over the world conducting business with them.

Shri Omar Abdullah (NC) observed that the enemies of Indian Muslims were not the Americans; the enemies of Indian Muslims were the same enemies that all the poor people of India were facing; namely, poverty, hunger, unemployment, lack of development and the absence of a voice. Professor M.D.R. Shiwankar (BJP) argued that the government had failed on fronts and had lost the faith of the people. In the name of the nuclear agreement the government would make the country a puppet in the hands of the U.S. Smt. J.L. Botcha (INC) pointed out that faster economic growth was the only remedy for eradicating poverty and for stepping up human development for which India needed to broaden its energy base. Shri B. P. Singh Verma (BJP) alleged that the deal would undermine national pride, security and sovereignty of the country, followed by Shri C. Khaire (Shiv Sena) who said the Prime Minister was putting the sovereignty of the country at stake by taking measures to operationalize the deal. Dr C. Krishnan (MDMK) pointed out that the Indo-US nuclear agreement in the present form was not for the betterment and progress of the country as the estimated cost per unit of nuclear energy would be very high as compared to coal, gas and even crude oil.

Shri Naveen Jindal (INC) failed to understand why the Left Parties were objecting to the government’s efforts to augment nuclear-based power through the agreement with the U.S, particularly when the government had been saying that the agreement would be operational only after seeking

the confidence of the House.

Shri A.R. Khanna (BJP) said the Agreement was not in the interest of the country, as it would breach the secrecy of India’s defence nuclear programme. Prof. M. Ramadass (PMK), narrating the achieveShri Prabunath Singh

ments of the UPA government said the deal would benefit the country and there was no need to topple the government on this issue. Complaining that unethical methods were being used to save the government, Shri S. Sudhakar Reddy (CPI) opposed the deal as it would make the country a “strategic partner” of the USA. Shri Choudhary B. Singh (INC) urged the Members to rise above partisan interests to push the deal through as energy was essential for development. Smt. Neeta Pateriya (BJP) said the government had made the nuclear deal an issue just to divert the attention of the public from the bigger issues the country was facing like the agricultural crisis. Dr S. Jatiya (BJP) advocated finding out alternative sources of energy and not depending on foreign support for nuclear energy.

Shri S.K. Kharventhan (INC) said nuclear energy would enable India to meet the twin challenges of energy security and environmental stability. Shri B.S. Rawat (BJP) wanted to know why the government was not trying to develop technology to use the huge Thorium reserve for generating nuclear energy? Shri P.S. Gadhavi (BJP) said the

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Parliamentary Report avowed aim of America was to cap, reduce and ultimately eliminate India’s nuclear weapons programme and the immediate aim was to trap India at the lower end of nuclear weapons technology by eliminating forever its option to hold further tests.

Shri Francis Fanthome (INC) said the nuclear deal negotiated by the UPA government would safeguard India’s strategic needs as well its need to generate energy for peaceful purposes. Alleging that the government was yielding to the U.S, Smt. Karuna Shukla (BJP) said that the situation in the country had deteriorated during the last four years.

Shri Vijayendra Pal Singh (BJP) asked for renegotiating the nuclear deal keeping in view India’s strategic need and requirement. Shri Sukhbir Singh Badal (SAD) termed the nuclear deal as the personal agenda of the UPA government for which the Congress Party was ready to sacrifice national security. Shri M.P.Veerendra Kumar (JDS) wondered why the government was hell-bent on a deal which was not even part of the CMP and when people were reeling under doubledigit inflation, spiraling prices food costs and fuel. Shri M. Charenamei (Independent), supporting the deal requested the Prime Minister to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Nagaland. Smt. Ranjeet Ranjan (LJSP) was of the view that the deal would prove to be a milestone in the development of the country for which the Prime Minister had gone to the extent of even putting his government at stake. Shri H. Murmu (JMM) hailed the Prime Minister for taking such a progressive step in the interest of the whole country.

Replying to the debate, Dr Singh said in all these years that he had been in office, whether as Finance Minister or Prime Minister, he had felt it was an obligation to use the

levers of power as a societal trust to be used for transforming the Indian economy and polity, so that the country could get rid of poverty, ignorance and disease which afflicted millions of people. He said the government’s attention had not been diverted Shri M.A. Kharabela Swain

from areas of national concern and opined the session and debate unnecessary, as he had said on several occasions that the nuclear agreement after being endorsed by the IAEA and the Nuclear Suppliers Group would be submitted to the House in August. The Prime Minister said he had only asked his Left Party colleagues to allow the government to go through the negotiating process and he would come to Parliament before operationalizing the nuclear agreement. The Left Parties wanted a veto over every single step of negotiations, which was not acceptable. It was all about widening India’s development options, promoting energy security in a manner which would not hurt the country’s precious environment and which would not contribute to pollution and global warming. India needed to grow at the rate of at least ten per cent per annum to get rid of chronic poverty, ignorance and disease.The nuclear agreement that the government wished to negotiate would end India’s nuclear isolation, nuclear apartheid and would enable the country to take advantage of international trade in nuclear materials,

technologies and equipment. It would open up new opportunities for trade in dual use high technologies opening up new pathways to accelerate industrialization of the country.The essence of the matter was that the agreements negotiated with USA, Russia, France and other nuclear countries would enable India to enter into international trade for civilian use without any interference with its strategic nuclear programme. India’s strategic autonomy would never be compromised, asserted the Prime Minister. He confirmed that there was nothing in these agreements which would prevent India from further nuclear tests if warranted by its national security concerns. The co-operation that the international community was now willing to extend to India for trade in nuclear materials, technologies and equipment for civilian use would be available to the country without signing the NPT or the CTBT. There was nothing in the Agreement which would affect India’s strategic autonomy or its ability to pursue an independent foreign policy, asserted the Prime Minister.

After debating for over 15 hours, the motion of confiMs Mehbooba Mufti

dence, when put to vote, was carried by a narrow margin with 275 Members casting their votes in favour and 256 against it. There was cross voting and absentation from the opposition side in spite of whips issued by the respective parties.

The Motion has been necessitated by the withdrawal of support to the UPA Government by the Left Parties due to their displeasure in not being shown the draft of the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement prior to it being presented to the IAEA. During the course of the debate, three BJP members placed on the table of the Secretary-General, Lok Sabha, bundles of notes alleged to have been given to them as part of a bribe to abstain from voting on the confidence motion. Looking at the gravity of the issue, the Speaker, Lok Sabha, Shri Chatterjee, appointed a seven-member Enquiry Committee of Members of Lok Sabha to investigate the matter and submit its report by 11 August 2008.

SPEAKER UPHOLDS THE NEUTRALITY OF HIS OFFICE Following the withdrawal of support to the government by the Left Parties, there were speculations about the resignation of Shri Somnath Chatterjee, who had been elected to the Lok Sabha as a CPI-M candidate, from the Office of Speaker.As the Speaker of Lok Sabha, Shri Chatterjee conducted proceedings of the Lok Sabha on 21-22 July 2008 during debate on the motion of confidence moved by the Prime Minister. On 23 July, he was expelled from the membership of the CPI-M for "seriously compromising the position of the Party".

Shri Chatterjee said that on 9 July 2008, the general secretary of the CPI-M party told him in a telephone conversation that a section of the Party felt that his continuance as Speaker might be untenable; however, it was stated that the final decision would be taken by him. On 9 July 2008, the Speaker was surprised to learn from the media that his name was mentioned in the communication to the Indian president without any intima-

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Parliamentary Report tion to or discussion with him, and he was also not shown any copy of the communication sent by the party to the president. Even at the press conference held after the meeting of the leaders of the Left Parties with the president, the general secretary of CPI (M) categorically reiterated that it was for the Speaker himself to decide his course of action.

Through a statement issued on his behalf on 10 July 2008, Shri Chatterjee had made it clear that as Speaker he did not represent any political party in the discharge of his duties and functions nor owed any allegiance to any political party, and that his election was not only uncontested but was also unanimous and that he was not elected to the Office of Speaker as the nominee of any party. He pointed out that on several occasions since 9 July 2008, the general secretary and other important Members of the CPI-M party had reiterated that as Speaker it was for him alone to decide on his stand in the matter.The CPI-M General Secretary had stated that by holding the post of the Speaker, a person did not cease to have political affiliations; but when someone

became a Speaker, he/she should not indulge in party activities, or adopt partisan political positions. Shri Chatterjee stated that it was assumed that on that basis no whip was issued to him, as in fact, it could not be. Nonetheless, there were unfortunately continuing speculations about Hon. Somnath Chatterjee

his possible resignation from the Office of Speaker.

On 20 July 2008, Shri Chatterjee was verbally told by a member of the Politburo that it was the decision of the Party that he should resign and vote against the motion.

When he refused, it was suggested that he should resign as Speaker and not attend the House to cast his vote. Shri Chatterjee expressed his inability to accept such a deci-

sion or to act upon the same, as it would seriously compromise the constitutional position of the Speaker. He said the party should have appreciated that as Speaker he did not represent it nor could it give any direction to him with regard to the discharge of his function.

In his statement, he said his election to the high Office of the Speaker was not only uncontested but was unanimous as all political parties had proposed his name. He said “I have said on many occasions that I have no matter or issue of my own, except to see that the House runs according to the constitution and its Rules of Procedure and Conventions, to which only, l owed and owe allegiance so long as I remain the Speaker”. He further said “In the computation of the strength of either the ruling party or its allies or of the opposition, no responsible person or authority can treat the Speaker as belonging to or extending support either to the government, its allies or to the opposition.Thus the question of the Speaker withdrawing support to the government can never arise. It is only the House as a whole which can

decide whether the Speaker should continue to remain as such or not, apart from his/her own decision to relinquish, if there is any such occasion”.

He concluded that “I could not and cannot in my conscience accept a position, which would totally compromise the sanctity of the most important legislative office in the country.

After weighing the pros and cons, I have consciously taken the principled decision to uphold the Constitution of India at the risk of being unjustifiably dubbed as anti-party”.

In view of the controversies that were raised based on a party's contention that while as Speaker, a member of Parliament should continue to be under the direction and control of the party, Shri Chatterjee suggested for starting a convention so that during his/her tenure as Speaker, a Member should temporarily resign from the membership of the party and not face a situation which would compromise the position of the Speaker vis-a-vis their party. He said that he would continue to fulfil his obligations and responsibilities as the Speaker during his tenure.

Third Reading ~ Australia HOME SAVE ACCOUNTS ACT 2008 Housing affordability is becoming more difficult as house prices have dramatically increased in the last five years, and housing supply is falling. To help people enter the housing market, the government has introduced legislation which established First Home Saver Accounts, and provides for the payment of government contributions of 17 per cent on the first $5000 of personal contributions made into an account each year. The government is investing around $1.2 billion over four years in the First Home Saver Accounts policy, including administrative costs.

Hon.Wayne Swan, MP, commented that “first home saver accounts will help bring

the dream of homeownership closer to a reality for many thousands of young Australians”. Mr Swan noted that rising house prices had increased financial pressures on households and made it harder to save a deposit for a first home. He explained that ‘First home saver accounts are the first of their kind in Australia and will provide a tax effective way for Australians to save for a first home to live in, through a combination of government contributions and low taxes”. For example, a couple each earning average incomes, both putting aside 10 per cent of their income into individual first home saver accounts, would be able to save more than $88,000 after five years.

Individuals would be able to open

266 The Parliamentarian 2008/Issue Three

accounts if they were 18 years or over and under 65, had not previously purchased or built a first home in which to live, did not have or have previously had a first home saver account, and provide their tax file number to the provider.

Individuals contributing $5000 would receive a government contribution of $850, and there would be an overall account balance cap of $75,000 but earnings could still accrue once the cap was reached.

Earnings on account balances would be taxed at the account provider level at the statutory rate of 15 per cent, rather than in the hands of the individual account holder at their marginal tax rate.

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Third Reading ~ Australia Individual contributions would not be taxed as they are made from after-tax income; government contributions and withdrawals to purchase a first home would also not be taxed.

Mr Swan advised that “from 1 October 2008, accounts can be offered by banks, building societies and credit unions, public offer superannuation providers, life insurance companies, and friendly societies”.

The Shadow Minister for Housing, Hon. Sussan Ley, MP, said that the opposition would support the legislation while placing on record that the government’s initiatives to improve housing affordability would “not be as effective as the government anticipates”. Ms Ley noted the differences between the demand and supply side issues affecting housing affordability.

She cautioned that “the danger with demand side policies is that they are likely to be capitalized into higher house prices, giving people more money to spend in an already tight market”. On the

supply side, Ms Ley noted that “the Reserve Bank of Australia said that efforts to improve housing affordability should be focused on policies regarding land use and improving efficiency in the supply of land and housing”. Ms Ley argued that the government should focus on addressing the supply side shortage rather than introducing measures that would increase demand. Ms Ley noted that currently Australia was under building by 30,000 dwellings a year.

In relation to the Home Saver Account, Ms Ley did approve of the savings culture. She noted, however, that the operation of the account was inflexible in particular instances. A person had to wait a minimum of four years before savings could be accessed for a deposit on a home, with contributions of at least $1000 in each of at least four years. She said “in fact, it will be longer, because you have to wait till the end of the financial year in which you make your final contribution and

you lodge your tax return for that year, before the commissioner processes your tax return and is given 60 days after receiving both the income tax return and the first home saver account contribution statement from the account provider”.

Ms Ley noted that if a person’s situation changed, they could not withdraw their money without incurring a penalty. Ms Ley stated that a person ‘may well be better off saving for your deposit, making the deposit and not putting your money into the account.’

She also noted that organizations in evidence to a Senate Select Committee on Housing Affordability ‘expressed the view that the savings plan could be outstripped by price rises, so, by entering into a first home saver account, you are in fact worse off than if you had put the money up-front, because your house price would have increased by more than your earnings and the government co-contribution”.

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CPA Organization Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Executive Committee and Secretariat, Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Steering Committee and Branches of the Association PATRON: H.M. Queen Elizabeth II MP (Head of the Commonwealth)

Officers President: Hon. Samuel John Sitta (Speaker of the National Assembly, Tanzania) Vice-President: Hon. Kenneth Marende, MP (Speaker of the National Assembly, Kenya) Chairperson of the Executive Committee: Hon. Mohd Shafie Apdal, MP (Minister of Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage, Malaysia) Vice-Chairperson of the Executive Committee: Hon. Keith Flax, MLC (Deputy Speaker, Legislative Council, British Virgin Islands and the Caribbean regional representative) Treasurer: Hon. Hashim Abdul Halim, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly,West Bengal, India)

Regional Representatives AFRICA Hon. Abel Stronge, MP (Speaker of Parliament, Sierra Leone) Hon. Fatoumata Jahumpa-Ceesay, MP (Speaker of the National Assembly, The Gambia) Hon. Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, MP (Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, South Africa)

VICE-PATRON: Colonel Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (President,Tanzania)

Hon. Antonio Hama Thay, MP (Mozambique) Hon. Marwick Khumalo, MP (Swaziland) Hon. Job Yustino Ndugai, MP (Tanzania)

CANADA Mr Russ Hiebert, MP (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, Canada) Hon. Kathleen Casey, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Prince Edward Island)

ASIA Hon. Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, MP (Deputy Speaker of the Peoples' Majlis, Maldives) Hon.W.J.M. Lokubandara, MP (Speaker of Parliament, Sri Lanka) Hon. Kiramatullah Khan, MPA (Speaker of the Provincial Assembly, Northwest Frontier)

Hon. George Hickes, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Manitoba, Canada)

CARlBBEAN,AMERICAS & ATLANTIC Hon. D. Giselle Isaac-Arrindell, MP (Speaker of the House of Representatives, Antigua and Barbuda)

AUSTRALIA

Hon. Keith Flax, MP (Deputy Speaker, Legislative Council, British Virgin Islands)

Sen. the Hon. Alan Ferguson (Deputy President of the Senate, Australia)

Hon. Hari N. Ramkarran, SCC, MP (Speaker of the National Assembly, Guyana)

Hon. John Pandazopoulos, MP (Victoria)

INDIA

Hon. Michael Polley, MHA (Speaker of the House of Assembly, Tasmania) (Acting)

BRITISH ISLANDS & MEDITERRANEAN

Hon. Somnath Chatterjee, MP (Speaker of the Lok Sabha, India) Hon. Uday Narain Choudhary, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Bihar)

Mr Nigel Evans, MP (United Kingdom)

Hon.Tanka Bahadur Rai, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Assam)

Mr Alun Cairns, AM (Wales)

PACIFIC

Hon. Ernest M. Britto, MP (Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Gibraltar)

268 The Parliamentarian 2008/Issue Three

Ms Moana Mackey, MP (New Zealand)

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Hon. Snyder Rini, MP (Minister for Finance and Treasury, Solomon Islands)

Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, MP (Singapore)

Secretary-General: Dr William F. Shija Director of Communications and Research: Mr Andrew Imlach

SOUTH-EAST ASIA Hon.Dato’ Zulhasnan Rafique, MP (Minister of Federal Territories, Malaysia)

Tel.: (+44-20) 7799-1460 Fax: (+44-20) 7222-6073 E-mail: hq.sec@cpahq.org

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Secretariat

Director of Administration and Finance: Mr David Broom

Suite 700,Westminster House, 7 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA, United Kingdom.

Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Steering Committee PRESIDENT TBA (Tanzania)

ASIA Hon. Ferial Ashraff, MP (Sri Lanka)

(President of the Nevis Island Assembly, St Kitts and Nevis)

INDIA

CHAIRPERSON

BRITISH ISLANDS AND MEDITERRANEAN

Ms Kashmala Tariq, MNA (Pakistan)

Ms Kate Hoey, MP (United Kingdom)

Hon. Km. Selja, MP (Minister of State of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, India)

DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON and Australia

CANADA

PACIFIC

Ms Maria Minna, MP (Canada)

Hon.Va’aiga Tukuitoga, MP (Niue)

CARlBBEAN,AMERlCAS AND ATLANTIC

SOUTH-EAST ASIA

Ms Angela D’Amore, MP (New South Wales, Australia)

AFRICA Hon. Moggie Mbaakanyi, MP (Botswana)

Hon. Marjorie Morton, MHA

Ms Irene Ng, MP (Singapore)

Directory of Parliaments and Legislatures ALDERNEY

ANGUILLA

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

(www.alderney.gov.gg) President: Sir Norman Browse (President of the States) Secretary and Offices: Mrs Sarah Kelly (Clerk of the States) The Court of Alderney, Queen Elizabeth II Street, Alderney GY9 3TB Tel.: (+44) 1481-822-817 Fax: (+44) 1481-823-709 Email: alderneycourt@cwgsy.net

(www.anguilla.gov.ai) President: Hon. David Anthony Carty, MLA (Speaker of the House of Assembly) Vice-President: Ms Keesha C.Webster, MLA (Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Mrs Adella Richardson (Clerk to the House of Assembly) The Valley, Anguilla.

Tel.: (+1-264) 497-5081; 497-3748 Fax: (+1-264) 498-2210

(www.ab.gov.ag) President: Sen. the Hon. Hazelyn Mason-Francis, MBE (President of the Senate) Secretary and Offices: Mrs G.Yvonne Henry (Clerk to Parliament) Antigua and Barbuda Department of Legislature, Queen Elizabeth Highway, St Johns, Antigua and Barbuda Tel.: (+1-268) 462-4822 Fax: (+1-268) 462-6724 Email: parlment@candw.ag

The Parliamentarian 2008/Issue Three - Malaysia

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The CPA Organization

Hon. Dr Tetau Taitai, MP (Acting) Regional Representative Kiribati

Hon. Datuk Frankie Chong Yu Chee, MLA (Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Sabah, Malaysia)

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The CPA Organization

AUSTRALIA (www.aph.gov.au) Joint Presidents: Sen. the Hon. John Hogg (President of the Senate) Hon. Harry Jenkins, MP (Speaker of the House of Representatives) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Kevin Rudd, MP (Prime Minister) Dr the Hon. Brendan Nelson, MP (Leader of the Opposition) and others.

Secretary and Offices: Mr Ian Harris, AO (Clerk of the House) c/o Parliamentary Relations Office, Parliament House, Canberra, A.C.T. 2600, Australia.

Tel: (+61-2) 6277 4340 Fax: (+61-2) 6277 2000 Email: PRO@aph.gov.au

Parliament House, Sydney, 2000, New South Wales, Australia Tel: (+61-2) 9230 2222 Fax: (+61-2) 9230 2333, 9230 2812 Email: russell.grove@parliament.nsw.gov.au

NORFOLK ISLAND (Australia) (www.norfolk.gov.nf) President: Hon. Lisle Denis Snell, MLA (Speaker) Vice-President: Mr Timothy John Sheridan, MLA (Deputy Speaker) Secretary and Offices: Ms Robin Eleanor Adams, JP (Clerk to the Legislative Assembly) Old Military Barracks, Kingston, Norfolk Island 2899, via Australia, South Pacific Tel: (+672-3) 22003 Fax: (+672-3) 22624 Email: clerk@assembly.gov.nf

STATE AND TERRITORIAL PARLIAMENTS OF AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY (www. parliament.act.gov.au) President: Mr Wayne Berry, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Mr Jon Stanhope, MLA (Chief Minister) Mr Bill Stefaniak, MLA (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Mr Tom Duncan (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) A.C.T. Legislative Assembly, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra A.C.T. 2600, Australia.

Tel: (+612) 6205-0191 Fax: (+612) 6205-3109 Email: tom.duncan@parliament.act.gov.au

NEW SOUTH WALES (Australia) (www.parliament.nsw.gov.au) Joint Presidents: Hon. Peter Primrose, MLC (President of the Legislative Council) Hon. Richard Torbay, MP (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Nathan Rees, MP (President of the Legislative Council Mr Barry O'Farrell, MP (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Mr Russell D. Grove, PSM (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly)

Details of CPA Branches contained in these pages are correct as of going to press. For latest details, please consult our website at www.cpahq.org If Branch details are incorrect, please notify pirc@cpahq.org

Secretary and Offices: Mr Neil Laurie (Clerk of the Parliament) Ms Leanne Clare (Assistant Honorary Secretary) Parliament House, Brisbane 4000, Queensland, Australia Tel: (+61-7) 340 67185 Fax: (+61-7) 322 17475 Email: neil.laurie@parliament.qld.gov.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIA (Australia) (www.parliament.sa.gov.au) Joint Presidents: Hon. Jack Snelling, MP (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Hon. Bob Sneath, MLC (President of the Legislative Council) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Mike Rann, MP (Premier) Hon. Martin Hamilton-Smith, MP (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Mrs Jan Davis (Clerk of the Legislative Council) Parliament House, Adelaide 5000, Australia.

Tel.: (+61-8) 8237-9301 Fax: (+61-8) 8211 7658 Email: jan.davis@parliament.sa.gov.au

TASMANIA (Australia)

(www.nt.gov.au/lant) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Paul Henderson, MLA (Chief Minister) Hon.Terry Mills, MLA (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Mr Ian McNeill (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) G.P.O. Box 3721, Darwin NT 0801, Australia Tel: (+61-8) 8946-1450 Fax: (+61-8) 8941-2567 Email: ian.mcneill@nt.gov.au

(www.parliament.tas.gov.au) President: Hon. Paul Harriss, MLC Senior Vice-President: Hon. Jim Cox, MHA (Minister for Infrastructure) Junior Vice-President: Hon. Sue Napier, MHA Secretary and Offices: Mr Peter Bennison (Deputy Clerk of the House of Assembly) Parliament House, Hobart,Tasmania 7000, Australia.

Tel: (+61-3) 6233 2211 Fax: (+61-3) 6233 6266 Email: peter.bennison@parliament.tas.gov.au

QUEENSLAND (Australia)

VICTORIA (Australia)

(www.parliament.qld.gov.au) President: Hon. Mike Reynolds, MP (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Anna Bligh, MP (Premier) Mr Lawrence Springborg MP (Leader of the Opposition)

(www.parliament.vic.gov.au) Joint Presidents: Hon. Robert F. Smith, MLC (President of the Legislative Council) Hon. Jenny M. Lindell, MP (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. John Brumby, MP (Premier)

NORTHERN TERRITORY (Australia)

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WESTERN AUSTRALIA (www.parliament.wa.gov.au) Joint Presidents: Hon. Nick Grifiths, MLC (President of the Legislative Council) Hon. Fred Riebeling, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Eric Ripper, MLA Hon. Paul Omodei, MLA Hon. Kim Chance, MLC Hon. Norman Moore, MLC Honorary Secretary and Offices: Mr Malcolm Peacock (Honorary Secretary/Treasurer) Ms Mia Betjeman (Clerk of the Legislative Council and Clerk of Parliament) Parliament House, Harvest Terrace, Perth 6000,Western Australia, Australia Tel.: (+61-8) 9222-7214 Fax: (+61-8) 9222-7809 Email: mbetjeman@parliament.wa.gov.au/ cpawa@parliament.wa.gov.au

THE BAHAMAS (www.bahamas.gov.bs) Joint Presidents: Sen. the Hon. Lynn Holowesko (President of the Senate) Hon. Alvin Smith, MP (Speaker of the House of Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Rt Hon. Hubert Alexander Ingraham, MP (Prime Minister) Hon. Perry G Christie, MP (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Mr MauriceTynes (Clerk to the Legislature) House of Assembly, P.O. Box N3003, Nassau,The Bahamas.

Tel: (+1-242-32) 22041

Fax: (+1-242-32) 21118 Email: houseofassembly@bahamas.gov.bs

BANGLADESH Branch in abeyance

BARBADOS (www.barbadosparliament.com) Joint Presidents: Sen. the Hon. Branford Taitt (President of the Senate) Hon. Michael Carrington, MP (Speaker of the House of Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. David J.H.Thompson, MP (Prime Minister) Hon. Mia Mottley, MP (Leader of the Opposition) Joint Secretaries and Offices: Mr Pedro E. Eastmond (Acting Clerk of Parliament) Mr Nigel R. Jones (Deputy Clerk of Parliament) Parliament Buildings, Bridgetown, Barbados.

Tel: (+1-246) 4263717, 4263712 Fax: (+1-246) 4364143 Email: parliamentbarbados@caribsurf.com

BELIZE (www.governmentofbelize.gov.bz) Joint Presidents: Hon. Andrea Gill (President of the Senate) Hon. Emil Arguelles, MHR (Speaker of the House of Representatives) Vice-President: Hon. Dean O. Barrow, MHR (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Mr Conrad Lewis (Clerk of the National Assembly) PO Box 139, Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize, Central America.

Tel.: (+501-8) 222141, 222142, 222144 Fax: (+501-8) 223889 Email: clerkna@bna.gov.bz

BERMUDA (www.gov.bm) Joint Presidents: Sen. the Hon. A.T. Oughton, MBE (President of the Senate) Hon. S.W. Lowe, JP, MP (Speaker of the House of Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Ewart Brown, JP, MP (Premier) Hon. Michael Dunkley, MP (Leader of the Opposition)

Secretary and Offices: Ms Shernette Wolffe (Clerk to the Legislature) Sessions House, 21 Parliament Street, Hamilton HM12, Bermuda.

Tel.: (+1-441-2) 927408 Fax: (+1-441-2) 922006 Email: smwolffe@gov.bm

BOTSWANA (www.gov.bw) President: Hon. Patrick Balopi, MP (Speaker of the National Assembly) Vice-Presidents: H.E. Dr Festus G. Mogae, MP (President of the Republic) Hon. Otsweletse Moupo, MP (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Mr Ernest Sipho Mpofu (Clerk of the National Assembly) P.O. Box 240,Gaborone, Botswana Tel.: (+267) 361-6800 Fax: (+267) 391-3103, 391-4376 Email: parliament@gov.bw

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS (www.dpu.gov.vg) President: Hon. Roy Harrigan, MHA (Speaker of the House of Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal, OBE, MHA (Branch Vice-President) Dr the Hon. D. Orlando Smith OBE, MHA (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Ms Alva McCall (Clerk of the House of Assembly) Office of the Clerk, Richard G. Stoutt Building, Road Town,Tortola, British Virgin Islands Tel.: (+1-284) 494-4757/8 Fax: (+1-284) 494-4544 E-mail: almccall@gov.vg

CAMEROON (www.assemblee-nationale.cm) President: Hon. Djibril Cavaye Yeguie, MP (Speaker of the National Assembly) Vice-president: Hon. Joseph Mbah-Ndam, MP (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Mr Aatsa Atogho (Branch Secretary) National Assembly,Yaounde, Cameroon.

Tel: (+237) 7771-0077, 7777-7247 Fax: (+237) 2222-3869, 2222-0979

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Mr Ted Baillieu, MP (Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly) Mr John Lenders, MLC (Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council) Joint Secretaries and Offices: Mr Ray W. Purdey (Clerk of the Parliaments and Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) Mr Wayne R.Tunnecliffe (Clerk of the Legislative Council) Parliament House, Melbourne,Victoria 3002, Australia.

Tel: (+61-3) 9651 8911, 9651 8550 Fax: (+61-3) 9650 4279 Email: cpabranch@parliament.vic.gov.au

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PARLIAMENT OF CANADA (www.parl.gc.ca) Joint Presidents: Sen. the Hon. Noel Kinsella (Speaker of the Senate) Hon. Peter Milliken, MP (Speaker of the House of Commons) Vice-Presidents: Rt Hon. Stephen Harper, PC, MP (Prime Minister) Mr Bill Graham, MP (Acting Leader of the Opposition) Chair: Mr Russ Hiebert, MP Executive Secretary and Offices: Ms Carol Chafe 5th Floor, 131 Queen Street, Houses of Parliament, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0A6 Tel.: (+1-613) 993-0330 Fax: (+1-613) 995-0212 Email: cpa@parl.gc.ca

British Columbia, Canada V8V lX4.

Tel: (+ 1-250) 387 3785 Fax: (+1-250) 387 0942 Email: clerkhouse@leg.bc.ca

MANITOBA (Canada) (www.gov.mb.ca/legislature) President: Hon. George Hickes, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Gary Doer, MLA (Premier) Mr Hugh McFadyen, MLA (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Ms Patricia Chaychuk (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) 237 Legislative Building, 450 Broadway, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3C 0V8.

Tel: (+1 204) 945 3636 Fax: (+1 204) 948 2507 Email: patricia.chaychuk@leg.gov.mb.ca

NEW BRUNSWICK (Canada) PROVINCIAL AND TERRITORIAL PARLIAMENTS OF CANADA ALBERTA (Canada) (www.assembly.ab.ca) President: Hon. Ken Kowalski, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Ralph Klein, MLA (Premier) Mr Kevin Taft, MLA (Leader of the Official Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Dr W.J. David McNeil (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) 801 Legislature Annex, 9718-107 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5K 1E4.

Tel: (+1-780) 427-2478 Fax: (+1-780) 427-5688 (Clerk’s Office) or (+1-780) 422-9553 (Speaker’s Office) Email: david.mcneil@assembly.ab.ca

BRITISH COLUMBIA (Canada) (www.leg.bc.ca) President: Hon. Bill Barisoff, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Gordon Campbell, MLA (Premier) Ms Carole James, MLA (Leader of the Opposition) Honorary Secretary and Offices: Mr E. George MacMinn, QC (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) Room 221, Parliament Buildings,Victoria,

(www.gov.nb.ca/legis/) President: Hon. Michael Malley, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Hon. Bernard Lord, MLA (Premier) Secretary and Offices: Mrs Loredana Catalli Sonier (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) Parliament Buildings, P.O. Box 6000, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada E3B 5H1.

Tel: (+1-506) 453 2506 Fax: (+1-506) 453 7154 Email: l.catalli.sonier@gnb.ca

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR (Canada) (www.gov.nl.ca) President: Hon. Harvey Hodder, MHA (Speaker of the House of Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Danny Willams, QC, MHA (Premier) Ms Yvonne Jones, MHA (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Mr William MacKenzie (Clerk of the House of Assembly) House of Assembly, Confederation Building, P.O. Box 8700, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A1B 4J6.

Tel.: (+1-709) 729-3405 / 729-2579 Fax: (+1-709) 729-4820 Email: williammackenzie@gov.nl.ca

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NORTHWEST TERRITORIES (Canada) (www.assembly.gov.nt.ca) President: Hon. Paul Delorey, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Mr Tim Mercer (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) Legislative Assembly of the NWT, P.O. Box 1320,Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada X1A 2L9.

Tel: (+1-867) 669 2299 Fax: (+1-867) 873 0432 Email: tim_mercer@gov.nt.ca

NOVA SCOTIA (Canada) (www.gov.ns.ca) President: Hon. Cecil Clarke, MLA (Speaker of the House of Assembly) Vice-President: Hon. Rodney MacDonald, MLA (Premier) Secretary and Offices: Mr Roderick K. MacArthur (Clerk of the House of Assembly) P.O. Box 1617, Province House, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3J 2Y3.

Tel: (+1-902) 424 5978 Fax: (+1-902) 424 0632 Email: macartrk@gov.ns.ca

NUNAVUT (Canada) (www.assembly.nu.ca) President: Hon. Peter Kilabuk, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Mr John Quirke (Clerk of the Assembly) PO Box 1200, Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0A 0H0, Canada.

Tel.: (+1-867) 975-5100 Fax: (+1-867) 975-5191 Email: jquirke@assembly.nu.ca

ONTARIO (Canada) (www.ontla.on.ca) President: Hon. Steve Peters, MPP (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Hon. Dalton McGuinty, MPP (Premier) Mr John Tory, MPP (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Mrs Deborah Deller (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) Room 104, Main Legislative Building, Queen’s Park,Toronto, Ontario, Canada M7A 1A2.

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Tel.: (+1-416) 325-7341 Fax: (+1-416) 325-7344 Email: clerks_office@ontla.ola.org

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND (Canada)

QUEBEC (Canada) (www.assnat.qc.ca) Joint Presidents: Hon. Michel Bissonnet, MNA (President of the National Assembly) Mr Geoffrey Kelley, MNA (Chair of the Committee on Social Affairs) Secretary and Offices: Mr Richard Daignault Assemblée nationale du Québec, Direction des relations interparlementaires et internationales, Edifice Jean-Antoine-Panet, 1020 rue des Parlementaires, 6e étage, Bureau 6.65, Québec G1A 1A3, Canada Tel: (+1-418) 643 7391 Fax: (+1-418) 643 1865 Email: rdaignault@assnat.qc.ca

SASKATCHEWAN (Canada) (www.legassembly.sk.ca) President: Hon. Don Toth, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Mr Tim McMillan, MLA (Deputy Speaker) Secretary and Offices: Mr Gregory Putz (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) 239 Legislative Building, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada S4S OB3.

Tel: (+1-306) 787-2335 Fax: (+1-306) 787 0408 Email: cpa@legassembly.sk.ca

YUKON (Canada) (www.legassembly.gov.yk.ca) Joint Presidents:

Vice-Presidents: Mr Aristophanis Georgiou, MP Mr Christos Pourgourides, MP Mr Sofocles Fittis, MP Dr Eleni Theocharous, MP Secretary and Offices: Mr Socrates Socratous (Acting Director, International Relations Service) House of Representatives, Homer Ave., 1402 Nicosia, Cyprus.

Tel.: (+357-22) 407-304, 407-310 Fax: (+357-22) 668-611 Email: international-relations@ parliament.cy

DOMINICA CAYMAN ISLANDS (www.gov.ky) Joint Presidents: Hon. Edna Moyle, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Hon. D. Kurt Tibbetts, JP, MLA (Leader of the Government) Vice-President: Hon.W. McKeeva Bush, OBE, JP, MLA (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Ms Wendy Lauer (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) P.O. Box 890 GT, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.

Tel: (+1-345) 949-4236/8 Fax: (+1-345) 949-9514 Email: wendy.lauer@gov.ky

COOK ISLANDS (www.cook-islands.gov.ck) President: Hon. Norman George, MP (Speaker of Parliament) Vice-President: Hon. Jim Marurai, MP (Prime Minister) Secretary and Offices: Mr Nga Valoa (Clerk of Parliament) Office of the Legislative Service, Parliament of the Cook Islands, P.O. Box 13, Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

Tel: (+682) 26500, 26507 Fax: (+682) 21260 Email: nvaloa@oyster.net.ck nvaloa@parliament.gov.ck

CYPRUS (www.parliament.cy) President: H.E. Mr Marios Karoyian, MP (President of the House of Representatives)

(www.dominica.gov.dm) President: Hon. Alix Boyd Knights, MHA (Speaker of the House of Assembly) Vice-President: Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, MHA (Prime Minister) Hon. Earl Williams, MHA (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Mrs Alex F. Phillip (Clerk of the House of Assembly) House of Assembly,Victoria Street, Roseau, Dominica,West Indies.

Tel: (+1-767-44) 82401 Ext. 3102, 3291 Fax: (+1-767-44) 98353 Email: houseofassembly@cwdom.dm

FALKLAND ISLANDS (www.falklands.gov.fk) President: Hon. Lewis Clifton, MLC (Speaker of the Legislative Council) Vice-President: Hon. Richard Cockwell, MLC Secretary and Offices: Ms Claudette Anderson-Prior, MBE (Clerk of Councils) Gilbert House, Stanley, Falkland Islands.

Tel: (+500) 27451 Fax: (+500) 27456 Email: canderson@sec.gov.fk

FIJI ISLANDS Branch in abeyance

GAMBIA (www.gambia.gm) President: Hon. Fatoumata Jahumpa-Ceesay, MP (Speaker of the House of Representatives) Secretary and Offices:

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(www.assembly.pe.ca) President: Hon. Kathleen Casey, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Robert Ghiz, MLA (Premier) Hon. Olive Crane, MLA (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Mr Charles H. MacKay (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) P.O. Box 2000, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada C1A 7N8.

Tel: (+1-902) 368 5970 Fax: (+1-902) 368 5175 Email: chmackay@gov.pe.ca

Hon.Ted Staffen, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Dennis Fentie, MLA (Premier) Vice-President: Hon. Arthur Mitchell, MLA (Leader of the Official Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Dr Floyd McCormick (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) Yukon Legislative Assembly, Box 2703, Whitehorse,Yukon, Canada Y1A 2C6.

Tel: (+1-867) 667 5498 Fax: (+1-867) 393 6280 Email: clerk@gov.yk.ca

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Mr Momodou Sise (Acting Clerk of the House of Representatives) Legislative Department, Parliament Buildings, Independence Drive, Banjul, The Gambia.

Tel.: (+220) 422-8305, 422-6643, 422-2352 Fax: (+220) 422-5123 Email: assembly.clerk@yahoo.co.uk

GHANA (www.parliament.gh) President: Rt Hon.Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes,MP (Speaker of Parliament) Secretary and Offices: Mr Emmanuel Anyimadu (Branch Secretary) Parliament House,Victoriaborg,Accra, Ghana.

Tel.: (+233) 21-664-042, 21-665-957 Fax: (+233) 21-662-084 Email: clerk@parliament.gh

GIBRALTAR (www.gibraltar.gov.gi) President: Hon. Haresh K. Budhrani, QC, MP (Speaker of Parliament) Vice-President: Hon. Peter Caruana, QC, MP (Chief Minister) Secretary and Offices: Mr Melvyn L. Farrell, RD (Clerk to Parliament) Parliament, 156 Main St, Gibraltar.

Tel.: (+350) 200-78420, 200-74186 Fax: (+350) 200-42849 Email: parliament@gibtelecom.net

GRENADA (www.gov.gd) Joint Presidents: Sen. the Hon. Joan Purcell (President of the Senate) Hon. George McGuire, MP (Speaker of the House of Representatives) Vice-Presidents: Dr the Hon. Keith Mitchell, MP (Leader of the Opposition) Hon.Tillman Thomas, MP (Prime Minister) Secretary and Offices: Mr Adrian C. A. Hayes (Clerk of Parliament) Houses of Parliament, P.O. Box 315, Church Street, St George's, Grenada, West Indies.

Tel.: (+1-473) 440-2090, 440-3456

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Fax: (+l-473) 440-4138 Email: order.order@caribsurf.com

GUERNSEY (www.gov.gg) President: Mr Geoffrey R. Rowland (Bailiff of Guernsey and President of the States) Vice-Presidents: Mr Richard J.Collas (Deputy Bailiff of Guernsey and Deputy President of the States) Dep. Michael Torode (Chief Minister) Secretary and Offices: Mr Kenneth H.Tough (H.M. Greffier) Greffe, Royal Court House, Guernsey, Channel Islands, GYI 2PB. Tel: (+44-1481) 725277 Fax: (+44-1481) 715097 Email: hm.greffier@gov.gg

GUYANA (www.parliament.gov.gy) President: Hon. Hari N. Ramkarran, MP (Speaker of the National Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Samuel A. A. Hinds, MP (Prime Minister) Hon. Robert Corbin, MP (Acting Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Mr Sherlock Isaacs (Clerk of the National Assembly) Parliament of Guyana, Parliament Office, Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown, Guyana.

Tel: (+592) 226-1465, 226-8456 Fax: (+592) 225 1357 (Parliament Office) Email: parlib@guyana.net.gy

INDIA (www.parliamentofindia.nic.in) President: Hon. Somnath Chatterjee, MP (Speaker of the Lok Sabha) Vice-Presidents: Hon. K. Rahman Khan, MP (Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha) Shri Charnjit Singh Atwal, MP (Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha) Secretary and Offices: Shri P.D.T Achary (Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha) Room 18, Parliament House, New Delhi 110 001, India.

Tel.: (+91-11) 2301-7465, 2303-4255, 23034567 Room 103, Parliament House Annexe,

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New Delhi 110 001, India.

Tel.: (+91-11) 2301-6987, 2303-4141 Fax: (+91-11) 2301-7465, 2301-5518 Email: cpaindia@sansad.nic.in

STATE LEGISLATURES OF INDIA ANDHRA PRADESH (India) (www.nic.in/aplegis) Joint Presidents: Hon. Kethireddy Suresh Reddy, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Hon. Dr A Chakrapani, MLC (Chairman of the Legislative Council) Vice-President: Hon. Rajasekhara Reddy, MLA (Chief Minister) Secretary and Offices: Sri K.Tuljanand Singh (Secretary to the Legislature) Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Public Gardens, Hyderabad 500 004, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Tel: (+91-40) 2323-2072 Fax: (+91-40) 2321-0408 Email: seclegis@ap.nic.in

ARUNACHAL PRADESH (India) (www.arunachalpradesh.nic.in) President: Hon. Setong Sena, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Shri C.P. Mansai (Secretary of the Legislative Assembly) Naharlagun-791110,Arunachal Pradesh, India.

Tel: (+91-360) 244-346 Fax: (+91-360) 244-305

ASSAM (India) (www.assamassembly.nic.in) President: Hon.Tanka Bahadur Rai, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Hon.Tarun Gogoi, MLA (Chief Minister and Leader of the House) Secretary and Offices: Shri Gauranga Prasad Das (Secretary of the Legislative Assembly) Dispur, Guwahati, 781006, Assam, India.

Tel.: (+91-361) 261-1113, 226-1766 Fax: (+91-361) 226-2225 Email: assamlegislative@sify.com

BIHAR (India) (www.bihar.nic.in) President: Hon. Uday Narayan Choudhary, MLA

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CHHATTISGARH (India) (www.chhattisgarhvidhandsabha.org) President: Hon. Prem Prakash Pandey, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Shri Devendra Verma (Secretary of the Legislative Assembly) Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, Baloda Bazar Road, Raipur 492 005, India Tel.: (+91-771) 228-3615, 228-3616 Fax: (+91-771) 228-3615, 228-3788 Email: secycgvs@rediffmail.com

DELHI (India) (www.delhigovt.nic.in) President: Hon. Ch. Prem Singh MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Smt. Kiran Choudhary (Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Shri Siddarath Rao (Secretary of the Legislative Assembly) Delhi Legislative Assembly, Old Secretariat, Delhi-110054, India.

Tel.: (+91-11) 2389-0007, 2389-0109 Fax: (+91-11) 2389-0128

GOA (India) (www.goagovt.nic.in) President: Hon. Pratapsingh Rane, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Shri Mauvin Godinho, MLA (Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Shri T.N. Dhruva Kumar (Secretary of the Legislative Assembly) Goa Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Porvorim, Goa 403521, India.

Tel.: (+91-832) 241-0915, 241-0917 Fax: (+91-832) 241-1054, 241-1024, 241-1066 Email: goaassembly@dataone.in

GUJARAT (India) (www.gujaratindia.com) President: Hon. Ashok Bhatt, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Hon. Narendra D. Modi, MLA (Chief Minister) Hon. Shaktisinhji H. Gohil, MLA (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Shri D.M. Patel (Secretary of the Legislature Secretariat) Legislature Secretariat,Vitthalbhai Patel Bhavan, Gandhinagar 382 010, Gujarat, India.

Tel.: (+91-79) 2322-0998; 2325-3076 Fax: (+91-79) 2322-0902 Email: assembly@gujarat.gov.in

HARYANA (India) (http://haryana.gov.in) President: Hon. Dr Raghuvir Singh Kadian, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Shri Sumit Kumar (Secretary of the Legislative Assembly) Haryana Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Sector 1, Haryana 16 0001, Chandigarh, India.

Tel.: (+91-172) 2740-785, 2740-030 Fax: (+91-172) 2740-430, 2747-075

HIMACHAL PRADESH (India) (www.himachal.nic.in/hpvs) President: Hon. Gangu Ram Mussafir, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon.Virbhadra Singh, MLA (Chief Minister) Hon. Prem Kumar Dhumal, MLA (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Shri J.R. Gazta (Secretary of the Legislature) Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, Council Chamber, Shimla 171004, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Tel.: (+91-177) 280-3086, 265-8164, 265-6424 Fax: (+91-177) 281-1151, 265-2949 Email: visabha@hp.nic.in

JAMMU AND KASHMIR (India) (www.jammuandkashmirstate legislature.org) President: Hon.Tara Chand, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly)

Vice-President: Hon. Abdul Rashid Dar, MLC (Chairman of the Legislative Council) Secretary and Offices: Mr M. Iqbal Ganai (Secretary of the Legislative Assembly) Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir State, India.

Tel.: (+91-194) 247-9969 (Srinagar); (+91-191) 254-2031 (Jammu) Fax: (+91-194) 247-7738 / 247-9666 (Srinagar); (+91-191) 257-0344 (Jammu) Email: a.r.salmani@rediffmail.com/ ardar@rediffmail.com

JHARKHAND (India) President: Hon. Inder Singh Namdhari (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Arjun Munda, MLA (Chief Minister) Hon. Stephen Marandi, MLA (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Sri Amar Nath Jha (Secretary-in-charge, Legislative Assembly) Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, Dhurwa, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India.

Tel.: (+91-651) 244-0200 Fax: (+91-651) 244-0025

KARNATAKA (India) (www.kar.nic.in/kla) Joint Presidents: Hon. Jagadish Shettar, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Hon.Veeranna Mattikatti, MLC (Chairman of the Legislative Council) Vice-Presidents: Hon. B.S Yediyurappa, MLA (Leader of the House, Legislative Assembly) Hon. Dr V.S Acharya, MLC (Leader of the House, Legislative Council Hon. Mallikarjun M. Kharge, MLA (Leader of the Opposition, Legislative Assembly) Hon.V.S Ugrappa, MLC (Leader of the Opposition, Legislative Council Secretary and Offices: Shri S.B Patil (Principal Secretary of the Legislative Assembly) Karnataka Legislative Assembly Secretariat, PB No 5074, Room 228, 2nd Floor,Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore 560 332, Karnataka, India.

Tel.: (+91-80) 2225-0702, 2203-3471 Fax: (+91-80) 2225-8301, 2225-8171 Email: speaker-kla-kar@nic.in

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(Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Prof. Arun Kumar, MLC (Chairman of the Legislative Council) Hon. Nitish Kumar, MLC (Chief Minister) Secretary and Offices: Shri Surendra Prasad Sharma (Secretary of the Legislative Assembly) Bihar Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Patna 800015, Bihar, India.

Tel.: (+91-612) 222-3840 Fax: (+91-612) 223-2212

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KERALA (India) (www.niyamasabha.org) President: Hon. K. Radhakrishnan, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon.V.S. Achuthanandan, MLA (Chief Minister) Hon. Oommen Chandy, MLA (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Dr N.K. Jayakumar (Secretary of the Legislative Assembly) Kerala Legislative Assembly,Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 033, India.

Tel.: (+91-471) 2512-002, 2513-006, 2305-834; Speaker 2513-007, 2308-890, 2305-830 Fax: (+91-471) 2305-891; Speaker 2512-131 Email: secretary@niyamasabha.org

MADHYA PRADESH (India) (www.mp.nic.in) President: Hon. Ishwaras Rohani, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Hon. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, MLA (Chief Minister) Secretary and offices: Dr A.K. Payasi (Principal Secretary of the Legislative Assembly) Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Bhopal 462 004, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Tel.: (+91-755) 244-0206 Fax: (+91-755) 244-0238 Email: vidhansabha@mp.nic.in

MAHARASHTRA (India) (www.maharashtra.gov.in) Joint Presidents: Hon. Shivajirao Deshmukh, MLC (Chairman of the Legislative Council) Hon. Babasaheb Kupekar, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon.Vilasrao Deshmukh, MLA (Chief Minister) Hon. Ramdas Kadam (Leader of the Opposition, Legislative Assembly) Hon. Pandurang Fundkar, MLC (Leader of the Opposition, Legislative Council) Hon. Dattaji Nalawade, MLA Hon. Harshvardhan Patil,MLA (Minister of Parliamentary Affairs) Secretary and Offices: Shri A.N. Kalse (Principal Secretary of the Legislative

Assembly and Legislative Council) Room 804, 8th Floor, Maharashtra Legislature Secretariat,Vidhan Bhavan, Mumbai 400 032, Maharashtra, India.

Tel.: (+91-22) 2282-0820, 2202-7399 Fax: (+91-22) 2202-4524, 2282-0820 Email: mls_mumbai@rerdiff.com

MANIPUR (India) (www.manipurassembly.gov.in) President: Hon. Dr Sapam Budhichandra Singh, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Okram Ibobi Singh, MLA (Chief Minister and Leader of the House) Treasurer: Secretary and Offices: Shri Tlangthanglien Joute Manipur Branch Secretariat, Imphal 79500I, Manipur, India.

Tel.: (+91-385) 245-0239 Fax: (+91-385) 245-1193, 245-0253 Email: man-assembly@man.nic.in

MEGHALAYA (India) (www.meghalaya.nic.in) President: Hon. B.M Lanong, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Shri P.W. Muktieh, MLA (Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Smt.W.M. Rymbai (Secretary of the Legislative Assembly) Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Shillong 793001, Meghalaya, India.

Tel.: (+91-364) 222-3878, 222-4267 Fax: (+91-364) 221-0157

MIZORAM (India) (www.mizoram.nic.in) President: Hon. Lalchamliana, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Zoramthanga, MLA (Leader of the House) Hon. Lal Thanhawla, MLA (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Mr Ngurthanzuala (Secretary) Mizoram Legislative Assembly Secretariat, P.O. Aizawl, Mizoram, India.

Tel.: (+91-389) 232-2250, 232-5733, 232-3608 Fax: (+91-389) 232-3207 Email: secymzmla@alpha.nic.in

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NAGALAND (India) (www.nagaland.nic.in) President: Hon. Kiyanilie Peseyie, MLA (Speaker of the House of Representatives) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Neiphiu Rio, MLA (Chief Minister) Hon. Imkong, MLA (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Mr N Benjamin Newmai (Secretary of the Legislative Assembly) Nagaland Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Kohima 799001, Nagaland, India.

Tel.: (+91-370) 229-0330, 229-1029 Fax: (+91-370) 229-0327 Email: assembly@yahoo.com

ORISSA (India) President: Hon. Maheswar Mohanty, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Hon. Prahlad Dora, MLA (Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Shri Balakrishna Sahoo (Secretary of the Legislative Assembly) Legislative Assembly, Bhubaneswar, 751001 Orissa, India.

Tel.: (+91-674) 253-6872, 253-6852 Fax: (+91-674) 240-6144, 241-8678 Email: ola@ori.nic.in

PUDUCHERRY (PONDICHERRY) (India) (www.pon.nic.in) President: Hon. R. Radhakrishnan, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Hon. N. Rangasamy, MLA (Chief Minister) Secretary and Offices: Shri M. Sivaprakasam (Secretary to the Legislative Assembly) Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Puducherry – 605 001, India.

Tel: (+91-413) 334-462, 335-525 Fax: (+91-413) 335-525, 332-397 Email: secretary@satyam.net.in

PUNJAB (India) (www.punjabgovt.nic.in/government/govt 741.htm) President: Hon. Sardar Nirmal Singh Kahlon, MLA

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Hon. Prof. K. Anbazhagan, MLA (Leader of the House) Hon. Selvi J. Jayalalithaa, MLA (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Thiru M. Selvaraj (Secretary of the Legislative Assembly) Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Chennai 600 009,Tamil Nadu, India.

Tel.: (+91-44) 2567-2611, 2567-0271 (x105) Fax: (+91-44) 2567-8956 Email: tnasmbly@tn.nic.in

RAJASTHAN (India) (www.rajassembly.nic.in) President: Hon. Sumitra Singh, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon.Vasundhara Raje, MLA (Chief Minister) Hon. Ramnarayan Choudhary, MLA (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Shri H.R Kuri (Secretary of the Legislative Assembly) Vidhan Sabha Bhawan, Jyoti Nagar, Jaipur 302 005, Rajasthan, India.

Tel.: (+91-141) 274-4326; Speaker's Office 274-4321 Fax: (+91-141) 274-4333/4 Email: rajassem@raj.nic.in

TRIPURA (India)

SIKKIM (India)

(www.uttaranchal.assembly.org) President: Hon. Harbans Kapoor, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Maj-Gen (Rtd) Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri, MLA (Leader of the House) Hon. Dr Harak Singh Rawat, MLA (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Shri Mahesh Chanddra (Secretary to the Legislative Assembly) Vidhan Sabha Bhawan, Dehradun, Uttaranchal, India.

Tel.: (+91-135) 266-6444 Fax: (+91-135) 266-6788, 266-6680

(www.sikkim.gov.in) President: Hon. D.N.Takarpa, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Mingma Tshering Sherpa, MLA (Deputy Speaker) Hon. Pawan Kumar Chamling, MLA (Chief Minister) Secretary and Offices: Shri K.T. Chankapa (Secretary of the Legislative Assembly) Sikkim Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Nam Nang, Gangtok 737101, Sikkim, India.

Tel.: (+91-3592) 203-654 Fax: (+91-3592) 202-181 Email: sikkimlegislativea@yahoo.com

TAMIL NADU (India) (www.tn.gov.in) President: Hon. R. Avudaiappan, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. M. Karunanidhi, MLA (Chief Minister)

(http://tripura.nic.in) President: Hon. Ramendra Chandra Debnath, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Shri Subal Rudra, MLA (Deputy Speaker) Secretary and Offices: Shri D.K. Daschaudhuri (Secretary to the Legislative Assembly) Tripura Legislative Assembly, Agartala, Tripura, 799 001 India.

Tel.: (+91-381) 222-4067, 222-4968 Fax: (+91-381) 222-4095

Hon. Ahmed Hasan, MLC (Leader of the Opposition, Legislative Council) Secretaries and Offices: Sri N.K. Sinha (Special Secretary) Legislative Assembly, Uttar Pradesh,Vidhan Bhawan, Lucknow 226 001, India.

Tel.: (+91-522) 223-8098, 223-8167 Fax: (+91-522) 223-8208, 223-8174 Email: upvs@up.nic.in

WEST BENGAL (India) (www.kolkata.wb.nic.in/bidhansabha) President: Hon. Hashim Abdul Halim, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Shri Bhakti Pada Ghosh, MLA (Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Shri Jadablal Chakraborty (Principal Secretary of the Legislative Assembly) Assembly House, Kolkata-700 001,West Bengal, India.

Tel: (+91-33) 2248-6221, 2248-0896/6098 Fax: (+91-33) 2248-4248, 2213-0402 Email: root@bidhan.wn.nic.in

ISLE OF MAN UTTARAKHAND (formerly UTTARANCHAL) (India)

(www.tynwald.org.im) Joint Presidents: Hon. Noel Quayle Cringle, MLC (President of Tynwald and President of the Legislative Council) Hon. Stephen Rodan, MHK (Speaker of the House of Keys) Vice-President: Hon.Tony Brown, MHK (Chief Minister) Chairman of the Executive Committee: Mrs Clare Christian, MLC Secretary and Offices: Mr Malachy Cornwell-Kelly (Clerk of Tynwald) Legislative Buildings, Douglas, IM1 3PW, Isle of Man. Tel: (+44-1624) 685500 Fax: (+44-1624) 685504 Email: enquiries@tynwald.org.im

UTTAR PRADESH (India) (www.uplegassembly.nic.in)

JAMAICA

Joint Presidents: Hon. Mulayam Singh Yadav, MLA (Leader of the Opposition, Legislative Assembly) Hon. Sukhadeo Rajbhar, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Hon. Sukhram Singh Yadav, MLC (Chairman of the Legislative Council) Vice-President

(www.jis.gov.jm) Joint Presidents: Dr the Hon. Sen. Oswald Harding, OJ, CD, QC (President of the Senate) Hon. Delroy Chuck, MP (Speaker of the House of Representatives) Vice-President:

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(Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, MLA Hon. Sardar Parkash Singh Badal, MLA Secretary and Offices: Sh. Madan Mohan (Secretary to the Legislature) Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat,Vidhan Bhawan, Chandigarh, India.

Tel.: (+91-172) 274-0786 Fax: (+91-172) 274-0472

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Hon. Bruce Golding (Prime Minister) Secretary and Offices: Ms Heather Cooke (Clerk to the Houses of Parliament) Houses of Parliament, Gordon House, 81 Duke Street, P.O. Box 636, Kingston, Jamaica.

Tel: (+1-876) 922-0200/7 Fax: (+1-876) 967-1708, 967-0064 Email: heather.cooke@japarliament.gov.jm/ clerk@japarliament.gov.jm

JERSEY (www.statesassembly.gov.je) President: Sir Philip Bailhache (Bailiff of Jersey and President of the States) Vice-President: Mr M.C. St John Birt (Deputy Bailiff and Deputy Presiding Officer of the States) Chairman of Executive Committee Sen. M.E.Vibert Secretary and Offices: Mr Michael N. de la Haye (Greffier of the States) States Greffe, Morier House, Halkett Place, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands, JE1 1DD. Tel: (+44-1534) 441013 Fax: (+44-1534) 441098 Email: m.delahaye@gov.je

KENYA (www.parliament.go.ke) President: Hon. Kenneth Marende, MP (Speaker of the National Assembly) Hon. Farah Maalim, MP (Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Mr Patrick G Gichohi (Clerk of the National Assembly) P.O. Box 41842-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.

Tel.: (+254-20) 2284-8000/222-1291 Fax: (+254-20) 243-694/315-950 Email: sna@parliament.go.ke

KIRIBATI (www.tskl.net.ki/parliament/index.html) President: Hon.Taomati Iuta, MP (Speaker of Parliament) Vice-President: H.E. Hon. Anote Tong, MP (President of the Republic) Secretary and Offices:

Mr I.Timeon (Clerk of Parliament) House of Assembly, P.O. Box 52, Bairiki, Tarawa, Kiribati.

Tel: (+686) 21880 / 22080 Fax: (+686) 21278 Email: mnm@tskl.net.ki

LESOTHO (www.lesotho.gov.ls) Joint Presidents: Hon. J.S. Lejaha (President of the Senate) Hon. Ntlhoi A. Motsamai, MP (Speaker of the National Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Prof. the Hon. P.B. Mosisili, MP (Prime Minister) Sen. the Hon. R.M. Masemene.

Secretary and Offices: Miss Lebohang Ramohlanka (Clerk to the National Assembly) Linare Road, Parliament Buildings, P.O. Box 190, Maseru100, Lesotho.

Tel.: (+266) 22-323-035, 22-317-056 Fax: (+266) 2231-7056 Email: parliam@ilesotho.com/ senate@ilesotho.com

Parliament House, 50680 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: (+603) 2072-1955, 2079-7391, 2079-3161 Fax: (+603) 2070-0986, 2031-7361 Email: cpamalay@parlimen.gov.my

STATE PARLIAMENTS OF MALAYSIA JOHORE (Malaysia) (www.johoredt.gov.my) President: Hon. Dato’ Haji Zainal Abidin bin Mohamed Zin, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Hon. Dato’ Haji Abdul Ghani bin Othman, MLA (Chief Minister) Secretary and Offices: Tuan Haji Mohamad bin Haji Karim (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) State Secretariat, Dewan Undangan Negeri Johore Bangunan Johore, Bukit Timbalan, Johore Bahru, Malaysia.

Tel: (+60-7) 223-9780 Fax: (+60-7) 224-6359

MALAWI

KEDAH DARULAMAN (Malaysia)

(www.malawi.gov.mw) Chairman: Hon. Louis Joseph Chimango, MP (Speaker of the National Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Mrs Matilda Marcia Katopola (Clerk of the Parliament) National Assembly, Parliament Offices, Chief M'Mbelwa House, Private Bag B362, Capital City, Lilongwe 3, Malawi.

Tel.: (+265-1) 773-008, 773-090, 773-882 Fax: (+265-1) 774-196, 771-340 Email: parliament@malawi.net/

(www.kedah.gov.my) President: Hon. Dato' Haji Badruddin bin Amiruddin, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Rt Hon. Dato' Seri Haji Syed Razak bin Haji Syed Zain Barakbah, MLA (Chief Minister) Secretary and Offices: Encik Kharudin bin Zain (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) Aras 1 Blok A,Wisma Darul Aman, Jalan Tunku Bendahara, 05503 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia.

Tel: (+60-4) 730-1957 Fax: (+60-4) 733-3494 Email: kharuddin@mmk.kedah.gov.my

MALAYSIA (www.parlimen.gov.my/ www.cpamalaysia.org) Joint Presidents: Hon.Tan Sri Dato' Abdul Hamid Pawanteh (President of the Senate) Hon.Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Haji Mulia (Speaker of the House of Representatives) Vice-President: Rt Hon. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, MP (Prime Minister) Secretary and Offices: Mrs Roosme Hamzah (Clerk of the House of Representatives)

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KELANTAN (Malaysia) (www.kelantan.gov.my) President: Hon. Haji Ab Rahim bin Wan Abdullah, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Mr Muhammed Imran B. Mansoor (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) Pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan Kelantan, Blok 1, Kota Darulnaim, 15503 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Tel: (+60-9) 748-1957

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Fax: (+60-9) 744-3164 Email: sudn@kelantan.gov.my

MELAKA (MALACCA) (Malaysia) (www.melaka.gov.my)

NEGERI SEMBILAN (Malaysia) (www.nsic.gov.my) President: Hon.Dato' Haji Lilah bin HajiYassin, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Rt Hon.Dato' Haji Mohamad bin Hj. Hassan MLA (Chief Minister) Secretary and Offices: Mr Yaakop bin Rantau Unit Dewan & Protokol,Tingkat 5, Blok B, Wisma Negeri, Jalan Dato' Abdul Malek, 70503 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

Tel: (+60-6) 765-9924, 762-3721 Fax: (+60-6) 764-7473 Email: kpsupro@sukns.gov.my

PAHANG (Malaysia) (www.pahang.gov.my) President: Hon. Dato’ Haji Wan Mohd. Razali bin Wan Mahussin, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Rt Hon. Dato’ Sri Haji Adnan bin Haji Yaakob, MLA (Chief Minister) Secretary and Offices: Mr Nasruddin Md. Salim (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) Pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan Pahang, Wisma Sri Pahang, 25503 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.

Tel: (+60-9) 552-1600 Fax: (+60-9) 516-3495

(www.penang.gov.my) President: Hon. Dato’ Haji Yahaya bin Abdul Hamid, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Hon.Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, MLA (Chief Minister) Secretary and Offices: Mr Kasim bin Md. Isa (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) Pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan,Tingkat 25, Menara Komtar, 10503 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

Tel.: (+60-4) 650-5155 / 261-1836 Fax: (+60-4) 261-3159 Email: syshaari@penang.gov.my

PERAK (Malaysia) (www.perak.gov.my) President: Rt Hon. Dato' Seri Di Raja Mohamad Tajol Rosli bin Mohd.

Ghazali, MLA (Chief Minister) Vice-President: Hon. Dato' Haji Mat Isa bin Ismail, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Mr Hasim bin Hasan (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) 2nd Floor, Pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan, Peti Surat 1004, Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab, 03000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.

Tel.: (+60-5) 522-5212/4 Fax: (+60-5) 241-0451 Email: hasim@perak.gov.my

PERLIS (Malaysia) (www.perlis.gov.my) President: Hon. Abdul Azib bin Haji Saad, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Rt Hon. Dato’ Seri Shahidan bin Kassim, MLA (Chief Minister) Secretary and Offices: Mr Ahmad bin Zakaria (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) Pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan, Ibu Pejabat Kerajaan Negeri, 01990 Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia Tel: (+60-4) 976-5481 Fax: (+60-4) 976- 3555

SABAH (Malaysia) (www.sabah.gov.my) President:

Hon.Datuk Hj.Juhar Hj.Mahiruddin, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Rt Hon. Datuk Hj. Musa Hj.Aman, MLA (Chief Minister) Secretary and Offices: Mr Bernard J. Dalinting (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) P.O. Box 11247, 88813 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

Tel: (+60-88) 427-533 Fax: (+60-88) 427-333 Email: bernard.dalinting@sabah.gov.my

SARAWAK (Malaysia) (www.sarawak.gov.my) President: Hon. Dato Sri Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice President: Rt Hon. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, MLA (Chief Minister) Secretary and Offices: Mr Abang Othman Abang Fata (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) Dewan Undangan Negeri, Sarawak, Petra Jaya, 93502 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Tel: (+60-82) 440-796, 440-628, 441-955 Fax: (+60-82) 440-790, 440-628 Email: abangof@sarawaknet.gov.my

SELANGOR (Malaysia) (www.selangor.gov.my) President: Hon.Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Haji Onn bin Haji Ismail, MLA (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Rt Hon. Dato’ Seri Dr Mohamad Khir bin Toyo, MLA (Chief Minister) Secretary and Offices: Mr. Shamsul Azri bin Abu Bakar (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly/ Protocol) State Legislative Assembly of Selangor, Tingkat 1, Bangunan Annex Dewan Undangan Negeri Selangor, 40680 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.

Tel: (+60-3) 5544-7613 Fax: (+60-3) 5510-4055 Email: faizah@selangor.gov.my

TERENGGANU (Malaysia) (www.terengganu.gov.my) President: Hon. Dato' Haji Che Mat bin Jusoh, MLA

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President: Hon. Datuk Haji Mo'min bin Haji Abd Aziz, MLA (Speaker of the State Assembly) Vice-President: Rt Hon. Datuk Haji Mohd. Ali bin Mohd. Rustam, MLA (Chief Minister) Secretary and Offices: Mr Mohd Zin bin Mansor (Clerk of the State Assembly) Jabatan Ketua Menteri Melaka, Blok Laksamana, Aras 2, Seri Negeri, 75450 Ayer Keroh, Melaka Tel: (+60-6) 230-7452 Fax: (+60-6) 231-1304 Email: mohdzin@melaka.gov.my

PENANG (Malaysia)

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(Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Hon.Dato' Idris bin Jusoh,MLA (Chief Minister) Secretary and Offices: Mr A Rahim Bin Jusoh (Branch Secretary) Pejabat Dewan Undangan Negeri Terengganu,Tingkat U2, Blok Podium, Wisma Darul Iman, 20503 Kuala Terengganu,Terengganu, Malaysia.

Tel.: (+60-9) 623-1957 Fax: (+60-9) 623-6957 Email: sudewan@terengganu.gov.my

MALDIVES (www.themaldives.com/government) President: Hon. Mohamed Shihab, MP (Speaker of the People's Majlis) Vice-President: Hon. Aneesa Ahmed, MP (Deputy Speaker of the People's Majlis) Secretary and Offices: Mr Ahmed Mohamed (Secretary-General) People's Majlis Secretariat, Medhuziyaaraiy Magu, Male, 20080, Republic of Maldives Phone: (+960) 331-3214, 331-3216 Fax: (+960) 334-1856, 332-4104 Email: cpa@majlis.gov.mv

MONTSERRAT (www.gov.ms) President: Hon. Joseph H. Meade, MLC (Speaker of the Legislative Council) Vice-President: Dr Lowell Lewis, MLC (Chief Minister) Secretary and Offices: Miss Judith Jeffers (Acting Clerk of Councils) Government Headquarters, Brades, Montserrat.

Tel: (+1-664) 491-2195 Fax: (+1-664) 491-6885 Email: legis@gov.ms

MOZAMBIQUE (www.govnet.gov.mz) President: Dr Eduardo Jaquim Mulembwe, MP (Speaker of the House) Secretary and Offices: Ms Elsa Maria Nhancale Botao (Branch Secretary) Assembleia da Republica, 24 de Julho Avenue. nr. 3773, Caixa Postal 1515, Maputo, Mozambique Tel: (+ 258) 21-40-08-26/29; 21-22-51-00 Fax: (+ 258) 21-40-07-11/ 21-22-51-79 E-Mail: chinhabotao@gmail.com

NAMIBIA MALTA (www.parliament.gov.mt) President: Hon. Dr Louis Galea, MP (Speaker of the House) Vice-President: Hon. Carmelo Abela, MP (Deputy Speaker of the House) Secretary and Offices: Ms Pauline Abela (Clerk of the House) House of Representatives,The Palace, Valletta CMR 02, Malta.

Tel.: (+356) 2559-6300 Fax: (+356) 2559-6400 Email: parliament@gov.mt

MAURITIUS (www.gov.mu) President: Hon. Rajkeswar Purryag, MP (Speaker of the National Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Mr Ram Ranjit Dowlutta (Clerk of the National Assembly) National Assembly, Port Louis, Mauritius.

Tel: (+230) 208-0691, 201-1414 Fax: (+230) 212-8364 Email: themace@intnet.mu

(www.parliament.gov.na) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Doreen Sioka, MP (Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly) Hon. Margareth N. Mensah, MP (Deputy Chairperson of the National Council) Secretary and Offices: Mr Nama Goabab (Secretary of the National Assembly) Mrs Panduleni Shimutwikeni (Secretary to the National Council) National Assembly, Private Bag 13323, Windhoek, Namibia.

Tel: (+264-61) 288-9111 Fax: (+264-61) 247-772 Mrs Panduleni Shimutwikeni (Secretary to the National Council) National Council, Private Bag 13371, Windhoek, Namibia Tel.: (+264-61) 237-561, 202-8000 Fax: (+264-61) 226-121 Email: parliament@parliament.gov.na

NAURU (www.naurugov.nr) President: Hon. Riddell Akua, MP (Speaker of Parliament)

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Secretary and Offices: Mr Frederick Cain (Clerk of Parliament) Parliament House, Nauru Island, Central Pacific.

Tel.: (+674) 444-3145 Fax: (+674) 444-3187

NEW ZEALAND (www.parliament.govt.nz) President: Hon. Margaret Wilson, MP (Speaker of the House of Representatives) Vice-Presidents: Rt Hon. Helen Clark, MP (Prime Minister) Mr John Key, MP (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary,Treasurer and Offices: Ms Mary Harris (Clerk of the House of Representatives) Parliament House,Wellington 6001, New Zealand Tel: (+64-4) 471-9999 Fax: (+64-4) 439-6422 Email: cpa@parliament.govt.nz

NIGERIA (www.nassnig.org/www.nigeria.gov.ng) President: Hon. Oladimeji Bankole, MHR (Speaker of the House of Representatives) Vice-President: Hon. Austin Opara, MHR (Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives) Secretary and Offices: Mr Alhaji Nasiru Ibrahim Arab (Clerk to the National Assembly) National Assembly,Three Arms Zone, PMB 141, Central Area, Abuja, Nigeria Tel: (+234) 9-234-2269; 9-234-0630 Fax: (+234) 9-234-2157; 9-234-2159 Email: rabi1982003@yahoo.com

STATE LEGISLATURES OF NIGERIA ABIA (Nigeria) (www.abiastate-ng.com) President: Hon. Sir Stanley Ohajuryka, MLA (Speaker of the State House of Assembly) Offices: Abia State House of Assembly, P.M.B. 7242, Umuahia, Abia, Nigeria

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ADAMAWA (Nigeria)

(Clerk of the House) Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Amarata,Yenagoa, PMB 37, Bayelsa State, Nigeria Tel.: (+234-84) 490-374/490-375/490-382 /490-230 Email: byha_yen@yahoo.com

BENUE (Nigeria) AKWA-IBOM (Nigeria) (www.akwaibomstategov.com) President: Hon. Bassey Essien, MLA (Speaker of the House) Vice-President: Hon. Aniefiok Thomson, MLA (Deputy Speaker of the House) Secretary and Offices: Dr Okon A. Ekanem (Office of the Clerk of the House) Akwa-Ibom State House of Assembly, Wellington Bassey Way End, PB 636, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria Tel.: (+234-85) 200-040/85-202-259

ANAMBRA (Nigeria) (www.anambrastateng.org) President: Hon. Anayo Nnebe, MLA (Speaker of the House) Secretary and Offices: Mr Walter N. Adogu (Clerk of the House) Anambra State House of Assembly, Legislative Buildings, P.M.B. 5053, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Tel.: (+234 48) 551-379, 551-377 Email: houseofassembly_ana@yahoo.com

BAUCHI (Nigeria) President: Rt Hon.Tanko Ibrahim Jalam, MLA (Speaker) Vice-President: Hon. Gambo Sule Pali, MLA (Deputy Speaker) Secretary and Offices: Mr Alhaji Ya’u Muhammed Gital (Clerk of the House) Bauchi State House of Assembly, PB 0262, Bauchi, Nigeria Tel.: (+234-77) 543-218/542-869 Fax: (+234-77) 543-218

BAYELSA (Nigeria) (www.bayelsa.gov.ng) President: Hon. Boyehayefa Debekeme, MLA (Speaker of the House) Vice-President: Secretary and Offices: Mr P.K. George, Esq.

(www.benuestate.gov.ng) President: Hon.Tseer Tsumba William Edo, MLA Secretary and Offices: Mr Emmanuel Ukaba (Clerk of the House) Benue State House of Assembly, Legislative Buildings, PMB 102356, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria Tel.: (+234-44) 531-610

BORNO (Nigeria) (www.bornonigeria.com) President: Hon. Goni Ali Modu, MLA (Speaker of the House) Vice-President: Hon. Bello Ayuba, MLA (Deputy Speaker of the House) Secretary and Offices: Alh. Musa A. Gwoma (Clerk of the House) Aji Yusuf Ngamdu (Deputy Clerk of the House) Borno State House of Assembly, P.M.B. 1180, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

Tel.: (+234-76) 232-040, 231-143, 234-446/7 Fax: (+234-76) 231-143, 234-447 Email: mgwoma@yahoo.com

CROSS RIVER (Nigeria) (www.crossriverstate.gov.ng) President: Rt Hon. Francis Busam Adah, MLA (Speaker of the House) Rt Hon. (Chief) Dominic Aqua Edem, MLA (Branch Vice President) Secretary and Offices: Ntufam (Elder) John A. Okon (Clerk of the House) Cross River House of Assembly, House of Assembly Buildings, P.M.B. 1372, Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria Tel.: (+234) 87-220-010/87-233-706 Fax: (+234) 87-233-706

DELTA (Nigeria) Branch suspended

EBONYI (Nigeria) President: Rt Hon. Omo Christopher Isu, MLA (Speaker) Secretary and Offices: Hon. Chief G.O. Ogbaga (Clerk of the House) Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Nkaliki Road, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

EDO (Nigeria) (www.edostate.gov.ng) President: Hon. Matthew E. Egbadon, MLA (Speaker of the House of Assembly) Vice-President: Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, MLA (Majority Leader) Secretary and Offices: Mr Edward E. Agho (Clerk of the House) Edo State House of Assembly, P.M.B. 1726, King's Square, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria Tel.: (+234) 52-259-410/52-251-724/253404/450-148 Fax: (+234) 52-251-724 Email: egbadon@benin.nipost.com.ng

EKITI (Nigeria) (http://ekitinigeria.net) President: Rt. Hon. Bamisile Richard Oluwafemi, MLA (Speaker of the House) Vice-President: Hon.Taiwo Olatunbosun, MLA (Deputy Speaker) Secretary and Offices: Pastor Fasiku Ademiloye (Clerk of the House) Ekiti State House of Assembly, P.M.B. 5843, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria Tel: (+234) 30-251-149/30-240-235 Fax: (+234) 30-251149 Email: ekitihouseofassembly@yahoo.uk

ENUGU (Nigeria) President: Hon.Abel Chukwu, MLA (Speaker of the House) Vice-President: Hon. Charles Ogbo Asogwa, MLA (Deputy Speaker of the House) Secretary and Offices: Mr Herbert Emeka Udeh, MLA (Clerk of the House) Enugu State House of Assembly, Legislative Building, Independence Layout, P.M.B. 1686, Enugu State, Nigeria Tel: (+234-42) 451-761/451-768/451864/500-139

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President: Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi, MLA (Speaker of the House of Assembly) Offices: Adamawa State House of Assembly, Army Barracks Road,Yola, Adamawa Nigeria

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GOMBE (Nigeria) (http://gombestatenigeria.com) President: Hon. Kanu Peto Dukku, MLA (Speaker of the House) Vice-President: Hon. Shuaibu Umar Galadima, MLA (Deputy Speaker of the House) Secretary and Offices: Mr Alhaji Adamu S. Musa (Clerk of the House) Gombe State House of Assembly, Administrative Secretariat, P.M.B. 075, Gombe State, Nigeria Tel: (+234) 72-220-047

IMO (Nigeria) (www.imostate.gov.ng) Secretary and Offices: Dr Emmanuel Ngozi Ibekwe, MLA (Clerk of the House) Imo House of Assembly, Private Mail Bag 1559, Imo State, Nigeria

JIGAWA (Nigeria) (www.jigawastate.gov.ng) President: Hon. Mujitafa M. Malam, MLA (Speaker of the House) Vice-President: Hon. Ibrahim Yusha'u Kanya, MLA (Deputy Speaker of the House) Secretary and Offices: Alh. Sabo Wada Ringim (Clerk of the House) Jigawa State House of Assembly, P.M.B 707 Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria Tel.: (+234-64) 721-362; 721-008 Fax: (+234-64) 721-362 Email: clerkdutse@yahoo.com

President: Rt Hon. Abdul Azeez Garba Gafasa, MLA (Speaker of the House) Secretary and Offices: Mr Mahmoud S. Bello (Clerk of the House) State House of Assembly, PMB 3104, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria Tel.: (+234-64)665-894

Hon. Jokotola Pelumi, MLA (Speaker of the House) Secretary and Offices: Mr R.O Jaiyesimi (Clerk of the House) Lagos State House of Assembly, Assembly Complex, Alausa Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria Tel.: (+234-1) 496-1686/497-8937/4934753/775-4143 Fax: (234+1) 496-1686 Email: lagoshousespeaker@yahoo.com

KATSINA (Nigeria) (www.katsinastate-lgac.com) President: Rt Hon.Yau Umar Gofo-Gofo, MLA (Speaker of the House) Vice-President: Hon. Bilyanu Moh. Rimi, MLA (Deputy Speaker of the House) Secretary and Offices: Mr Ahmed Moh. Katsina (Clerk of the House) Katsina State House of Assembly, P.M.B 2148, Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria Tel.: (+234) 65-432-989 (President) /65-432-997 (Secretary) /65-432-992 / 65-432-998 Fax: (+234) 65-432-992

KEBBI (Nigeria) President: Hon. Mohammadu D. Dantani, MLA (Speaker of the House) Secretary and Offices: Alh. Abubakar Dan Malam (Clerk of the House) Kebbi State House of Assembly, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

Tel.: (+234) 68-322-059, 0806-5829-260

KOGI (Nigeria)

NASARAWA (Nigeria) (www.nasarawastate.org) Secretary and Offices: Mr Moses Ondaki (Clerk of the House) Shendam Road, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria Tel.: (+234-47) 221-435 Fax: (234-47) 221-563 Email: onawom@yahoo.com

NIGER (Nigeria) (www.nigerstate.gov.ng) President: Hon. Mohammed Mohammed Alkali, MLA (Speaker of the House) Vice-President: Hon. Mohammed B.A. Lokogoma, MLA (Deputy Speaker of the House) Secretary and Offices: Mr Mohammed A. Rijau (Clerk to the Legislature) Niger State House of Assembly, Private Mail Bag 157, Paiko Road, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria.

Tel.: (+234-66) 221-388/222-206/224-011 Fax: (+234-66) 222-206

Branch suspended

KADUNA (Nigeria) (www.kadunastate.gov.ng) President: Hon. Abbas S. Pada, MLA (Speaker of the House) Vice-President: Hon. Emmanuel Audu Maisango, MLA (Deputy Speaker of the House) Secretary and Offices: Mr Mohamed S.Tanko Soba (Clerk to the Legislature) Offices of the Legislative Complex, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Lugard Hall, P.M.B. 2125, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Tel.: (+234-62) 247-580 Fax: (+234-62) 243-580

OGUN (Nigeria) KWARA (Nigeria) (www.kwarastate.gov.ng) President: Hon. Isa Bio Ibrahim, MLA (Speaker of the House) Vice-President: Hon. Babatunde Mohammed, MLA (Deputy-Speaker of the House) Secretary and Offices: Mr Mahie Abdulkadir (Clerk of the House) Kwara State House of Assembly, Legislative Buildings, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria Tel.: (+234-31) 220-001/220-994

LAGOS (Nigeria) KANO (Nigeria) (www.kanostate.net)

(www.lagosstate.gov.ng) President:

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(www.ogunstate.gov.ng) President: Rt Hon.Titi Oseni, MLA (Speaker of the House) Vice-President: Hon. Olu, MLA (Deputy Speaker of the House) Secretary and Offices: Alhaji K.A. Lawal (Clerk of the House) Ogun House of Assembly, P.M.B 2054, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Tel.: (+234-39) 241-774 / 243-989

ONDO (Nigeria) (www.ondostategovernment.com) President: Rt Hon.Victor Adekanye Olabimtan, MLA

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OSUN (Nigeria) (www.osunstate.gov.ng) President: Rt Hon. Raifu Adejare Bello, MLA (Speaker of the House of Assembly) Vice-President Hon.Yekeen Taiwo Sunmonu, MLA (Deputy Speaker) Secretary and Offices: Mr Segun Akinwusi (Clerk of the House) Mr Tunde Kolawole (Secretary) Osun State House of Assembly, Gbongan Road, Abere, P.M.B. 4432, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria Tel.: (+234-35) 243-033/360-608/08037186-539 Email: speaker@house.osunstate.org

OYO (Nigeria) (www.oyostate.gov.ng) President: Hon. Moroof Olawale Atilola, MLA (Speaker of the House) Secretary and Offices: Mr Okesipe Okesola (Clerk of the House) Parliament Buildings, P.M.B. 5018, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria Tel.: (+234-02) 810-5676/810-4941

PLATEAU (Nigeria) (www.plateaustategov.org) President: Rt Hon. Simon B. Lalong, MLA (Speaker of the House) Vice-President: Hon. Usman Zumunta Musa, MLA (Deputy Speaker of the House) Secretary and Offices: Mr Cornelius D. Shiolbial (Clerk of the House) Plateau State House of Assembly complex, 21 Old Bukuru Rd, PMB 2142, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Tel.: (+234-73) 460-153/464-080/463246/465-888

Fax: (+234-73) 460-153, 464-081 Email: plateauhouseofassembly@yahoo.com

Tel.: (+234-63) 204-832/204-775/204841/204-004

NlUE RIVERS STATE (Nigeria) (www.riversstatenigeria.net) President: Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, MLA (Speaker of the House of Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Mr A.E. Nwala (Clerk of the House) Rivers State House of Assembly, Assembly Complex, P.M.B. 6166, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria Tel: (+234) 84 234-632 (Speaker)/84330-338 Fax: (+234) 84 234-630

SOKOTO (Nigeria) (www.sokotostate.gov.ng) Joint Presidents: Hon. Abdullahi Balarabe Salame, MLA (Speaker of the House of Assembly) Hon. Bello Muhammad Dange, MLA (Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Hon. Mohammad Mainasara Ahmad (Clerk to the House) Sokoto State House of Assembly, Kaduna Rd, PMB 02202, Sokoto, Nigeria Tel.: (+234) 60-230-156, 236-192 E-mail: harandemahe@yahoo.com

TARABA (Nigeria) Secretary and Offices: Mal. Saidu Ajiya Karim Taraba State House of Assembly, Legislative Buildings, P.M.B 1069, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria Tel.: (+234) 35-243-033/35-240-657/7922571/79-23302

YOBE (Nigeria) Secretary and Offices: Mr Alh Mohammed Nur Alkali (Clerk of the House) Yobe State House of Assembly, Maiduguri Road, Damaturu,Yobe State, Nigeria Tel.: (+234-76) 522-995 / 522-862

ZAMFARA (Nigeria) Secretary and Offices: Mr Usman Yakubu (Clerk of the House) Zamfara State House of Assembly, Gusau, Zamfara State, NIgeria

(www.gov.nu) President: Hon. Atapana Siakimotu, MP (President of the Legislative Assembly) Vice-President: Hon. Krypton Okesene, MP Secretary and Offices: Mrs Moka Tano-Puleosi (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) Ms Tina Tavita (Assistant Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) Assembly Chambers, Fale Fono, P.O. Box 40, Alofi, Niue, South Pacific.

Tel.: (+683) 4200 Ext 87 Fax: (+683) 4344 Email: legislative.premier@mail.gov.nu

PAKISTAN (www.na.gov.pk/www.senate.gov.pk) Joint Presidents: Hon. Fahmida Mirza, MNA (Speaker of the National Assembly) Sen. the Hon. Mohammedmian Soomro (Chairman of the Senate) Secretary: Mr Karamat Hussain Niazi (Secretary of the National Assembly) Mr Raja Mohammad Amin (Secretary of the Senate) Parliament House, Constitution Avenue, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan Tel.: (+92-51) 920-3734/922-1082 Fax: (+92-51) 920-5205/920-3359 Email: iprsenate@yahoo.com

PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURES OF PAKISTAN BALOCHISTAN (Pakistan) (www.balochistan.gov.pk) Secretary and Offices: Mr Muhammad Khan Mengal (Secretary of the Provincial Assembly) Provincial Assembly of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan Tel.: (+92-81) 920-1950 Fax: (+92-81) 920-2575

NORTHWEST FRONTIER (Pakistan) (http://nwfp.gov.pk) President: Hon. Kiramatullah Khan, MPA (Speaker) Secretary and Offices: Mr Muhammad Mushtaq (Secretary of the Provincial Assembly)

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(Speaker of the House of Assembly) Vice-President Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin, MLA (Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Rev. Canon A. A. Akeredolu (Clerk of the House) Ondo State House of Assembly, Igbatoro Rd, P.M.B. 733,Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria Tel: (+234-34): 242-039/230-996/240-996 /243-851 Email: ondoassembly@yahoo.com

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Northwest Frontier Provincial Assembly, Peshawar, Pakistan Tel.: (+92-91) 921-0161 Fax: (+92-91) 921-0241

PUNJAB (Pakistan) (www.pap.gov.pk) President: Hon. Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan, MPA (Speaker) Secretary and Offices: Mr Masood Ahmed Malik (Secretary) Provincial Assembly of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan Tel.: (+92-42) 920-0317/8 Fax: (+92-42) 920-0330 Email: info@pap.gov.pk

SINDH (Pakistan) (www.sindh.gov.pk) President: Hon. Syed Mozaffar Hussain Shah, MPA (Speaker of the Provincial Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Mr Hadi Bux Borou (Secretary of the Provincial Assembly) Provincial Assembly of Sindh, Karachi 74400, Pakistan Tel.: (+92-21) 921-2021/921-2024 Fax: (+92-21) 921-2033

PAPUA NEW GUINEA (www.parliament.gov.pg) President: Hon. Jeffrey Nape, MP (Speaker of the National Parliament) Deputy President: Rt Hon. Sir Thomas Koraea, MP (Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament) Secretary and Offices: Mr Don Pandan (Clerk of the National Parliament) Parliament House,Waigani, National Capital District, Papua New Guinea.

Tel.: (+675) 327-7400 Fax: (+675) 327-7481 Email: parlib@datec.net.pg

BOUGAINVILLE (Papua New Guinea) Secretary and Offices: Mr Robert Tapi (Clerk of the House of Representatives) Bougainville House of Representatives, PO Box 322, Buka, Bougainville Tel.: (+675) 973-9057/973-9414 Fax: (+675) 973-9061 Email: abghausparl@datec.net.pg

ST CHRISTOPHER & NEVIS (www.gov.kn) President: Hon. Marcella Liburd, MP (Speaker of the National Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Mr José Lloyd (Clerk of the National Assembly) Government Headquarters, P.O. Box 164, Basseterre, St Kitts.

Tel.: (+1-869) 465-2521, 467-1335 Fax: (+1-869) 469-5629

NEVIS President: Hon. Marjorie Morton (President of the Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Joseph W. Parry (Premier) Hon.Vance Amory (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Mr Dwight Morton (Clerk of the Nevis Island Assembly) Administration Building, Charlestown, Nevis Island,West Indies.

Tel.: (+1-869) 469-5629 Fax: (+1-869) 469-1207/1806 Email: dwimo@hotmail.com

ST HELENA (www.sainthelena.gov.sh) President: Hon. Eric Walter George, MLC, MBE (Speaker of the Legislative Council) Secretary and Offices: Ms Ethel Yon (Clerk of the Councils) The Castle, Jamestown, STH 1ZZ, St Helena.

Tel.: (+290) 2470 Fax: (+290) 2598 Email: ethel@sainthelena.gov.sh

SAINT LUCIA (www.stlucia.gov.lc/agencies/legislature) Joint Presidents: Hon. Sarah Flood-Beaubrun, MP (Speaker of the House of Assembly) Senator Dr the Hon. Rosemary Husband-Mathurin (President of the Senate) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Stephenson King, MP (Prime Minister) Dr Kenny Davis Anthony, MP (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Mr Kurt Thomas (Clerk of Parliament)

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Old Government Buildings, Laborie Street, Castries, Saint Lucia WI. Tel: (+1-758) 453-6650/468-3919/4523856 Fax: (+1-758) 452-5451 Email: parliamentslu@yahoo.co.uk

ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES (www.gov.vc) President: Hon. Hendrick Alexander, MP (Speaker of the House of Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Dr the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, MP (Prime Minister) Hon. Arnhim Eustace, MP (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Ms Nicole Herbert (Clerk of the House of Assembly) House of Assembly, Court House, Kingstown, St Vincent.

Tel.: (+1-784) 457-1872 Fax: (+1-784) 457-1825 Email: svgparliament@vincysurf.com

SAMOA (www.parliament.gov.ws/general.cfm) President: Hon.Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Leiataua, MP (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Mr Fepuleai A Ropati (Clerk of the Legislative Assembly) P.O. Box 1866, Apia, Samoa.

Tel: (+685) 21 816 Fax: (+685) 21 817 Email: legislative@ipasifika.net

THE SEYCHELLES (www.egov.sc) Joint Presidents: Dr Patrick Herminie, MP (Speaker of the National Assembly) Vice-President: Hon. Rev.Wavel Ramkalawan, MP (Leader of the Opposition) Hon. Marie-Louise Potter, MP (Leader of Government Business) Secretary and Offices: Ms Marie-Nella Azemia (Clerk to the National Assembly) National Assembly of Seychelles, P.O Box 734,Victoria, Mahé Tel: (+248) 321-333/321-603 Fax: (+248) 321-1401 Email: lgb5@seychelles.net

SIERRA LEONE (http://parliamentsl.org) President: Hon. Abel Stronge

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SINGAPORE (www.parliament.gov.sg) President: Hon. Abdullah Tarmugi, MP (Speaker of Parliament) Vice-President: Hon. Lee Hsien Loong, MP (Prime Minister) Secretary and Offices: Mr Siow Peng Han (Principal Assistant Clerk) Parliament House, 1 Parliament Place, Singapore 178880 Tel.: (+65-6) 332-6668 Fax: (+65-6) 332-5526 Email: parl@parl.gov.sg

EASTERN CAPE (South Africa) (www.ecprov.gov.za) President: Hon. Noxolo Kiviet, MP (Speaker of the Legislature) Chairperson and Branch Representative: Hon. Phumulo Godfrey Masualle, MP (Leader of the House) Secretary and Offices: Mr Mzukisi Harold Mpahlwa (Secretary to the Legislature) Legislature of the Province of Eastern Cape, Private Bag X005I, Bisho 5605, South Africa.

Tel.: (+27-40) 609-2013/635-1374/ 609-2555 Fax: (+27-40) 636-4922 Email: debeerc@ecboadml.ecape.gov.za

FREE STATE (South Africa)

(www.parliament.gov.sb) President: Hon. Sir Peter Kenilorea, PC, MP (Speaker of the National Parliament) Secretary and Offices: Mrs Taeasi Sanga (Clerk to the National Parliament) Office of the National Parliament, P.O. Box G19, Honiara, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.

Tel.: (+677) 22732 Fax: (+677) 24272

(www.fs.gov.za) President: Hon. M.A. Dukwana, MPL (Speaker of the Legislature) Chairperson: Hon. S.T. Malebo, MEC, MPL (Minister of Public Works) Branch Representative: Hon. Mike Alolo, MPL (Deputy Speaker) Secretary and Offices: Ms Elzabe Rockman (Secretary to the Legislature) Free State ProvincialLegislature, Private Bag X20561, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa.

Tel.: (+27 51) 407-1239/407-1111 Fax: (+27 51) 407-1137

SOUTH AFRICA

GAUTENG (South Africa)

(www.parliament.gov.za/) Joint Presidents: Hon. Baleka Mbete, MP (Speaker of the National Assembly) Hon. Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, MP (Chairperson, National Council of Provinces) Secretary and Offices: Mr Zingile Dingani (Secretary to Parliament) Parliament, P.O. Box 15, Cape Town 8000, South Africa.

Tel:(+27-21) 403 2911 Fax: (+27-21) 403 2604 Email: zdingani@parliament.gov.za

(www.gautengleg.gov.za) President: Hon. Richard Mzameni Mdakane, MPL (Speaker) Secretary and Offices: Mr Gideon Wessie (Acting Secretary of the Legislature) Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Private Bag X52, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa.

Tel.: (+27-11) 498-5968/9 Fax: (+27-11) 498-5720 Email: gwessie@gautengleg.gov.za

SOLOMON ISLANDS

PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURES OF SOUTH AFRICA

KWAZULU-NATAL (South Africa) (www.kznparliament.za) President: Hon.Willies Mchunu, MPL (Speaker of the House) Vice-President:

Hon. Sbu Ndebele, MPL (Premier) Secretary and Offices: Ms Nerusha Naidoo (Secretary of the House) KwaZulu-NataI Provincial Legislature, Private Bag x9112, Pietermaritzburg 3200, South Africa.

Tel.: (+27 33) 355-7600/355-7509/8 Fax: (+27 33) 355-7699/355-7544 Email: naidoon@kznlegislature.gov.za

LIMPOPO (South Africa) (www.limpopo.gov.za) President: Dr the Hon.Tshenuwani Simon Farisani, MPL (Speaker of the Provincial Legislature) Vice-President: Hon. Manana Catherine Mabuza, MPL (Deputy Speaker of the Provincial Legislature) Secretary and Offices: Adv. Mr E.N. Lambani (Secretary to the Provincial Legislature) Provincial Legislature of Limpopo, Lebowakgomo Government Complex, Private Bag X9309, Polokwane 0700, South Africa.

Tel: (+27-15) 633-5071/633-8008 Fax: (+27-15) 633-8185 Email: npglegs@mweb.co.za

MPUMALANGA (South Africa) (www.mpuleg.gov.za) President: Hon.Yvonne N. Phosa, MPL (Speaker) Vice-President: Hon. B.J. Nobunga, MPL (Deputy Speaker) Secretary and Offices: Mr Rolson Mathabathe Moropa (Secretary to the Legislature) Mpumalanga Legislature, Private Bag XII289, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa.

Tel.: (+27-13) 766-1166/8/9 Fax: (+27-13) 766-1459

NORTH-WEST (South Africa) (www.nwpl.gov.za) Chairman: Hon. Raymond Motsepe, MPL President: Hon.Thandi Modise MPL (Speaker of the House) Vice-President: Hon. B.E.E. Molewa, MPL (Premier) Secretary and Offices: Dr Baba Schalk

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(Speaker of Parliament) Secretary and Offices: Mr Ahmed Abu Kemokay (Clerk of Parliament) Parliament Building, OAU Drive,Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone Tel.: (+232-22) 223-140 Fax: (+232-22) 222-483

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(Secretary for the North-West Legislature) 2nd Floor, Legislature Building, Private Bag X2018, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa Tel: (+27-183) 874-233/4 Fax: (+27-183) 873-908 Email: nathi@nwpl.org.za

Lanka, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka.

Tel.: (+94-11) 277-7223 (Speaker), (+94-11) 277-7288 (Secretary-General of Parliament), (+94-11) 277-7277/8 (Office) Fax: (+94-11) 277-7275/7227 Email: cpa@parliament.lk

NORTHERN CAPE (South Africa) (www.northern-cape.gov.za/legislature/ index.html) President: Hon. Calvin A.T. Smith, MPL (Speaker) 1st Vice-President: Hon. E.M. Dipico, MPL (Premier) Secretary and Offices: Mr M.Z. Mawasha (Acting Secretary to the Provincial Legislature) Northern Cape Provincial Legislature, Private Bag X5066, Nobengula Extension, Kimberley 8301, South Africa.

Tel.: (+27-53) 830-9007/8, 839-8069 Fax: (+27-53) 839-8094 Email: mmashope@leg.ncape.gov.za

WESTERN CAPE (South Africa) (www.wcpp.gov.za) President: Hon. S.E. Byneveldt, MPP (Speaker of the Legislature) Vice-President: Hon.Y. Gabru, MPP (Deputy Speaker of Legislature) Secretary and Offices: Mr Peter Williams (Secretary to the Provincial Parliament) Legislature Building, P.O. Box 648, Cape Town 8000, South Africa.

Tel: (+27-21) 487-1621 (President: 4871603;Vice-President: 487-1612) Fax: (+27-21) 487-1618 (President: 4871604;Vice-President: 487-1613) Email: petwilliam@wcpp.gov.za

SRI LANKA (www.parliament.lk) President: Hon.W.J.M. Lokubandara, MP (Speaker of the Parliament) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka, MP (Prime Minister) Hon. Ranil Wickremasinghe, MP (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Mr Dhammika Kitulgoda (Acting Secretary-General of Parliament) CPA Office, 4th Floor, Parliament of Sri

SWAZILAND Joints Presidents: Sen. the Hon. Moses Mathendele Dlamini (President of the Senate) Hon. S'gayoyo Magongo, MP (Speaker of Parliament) Vice-Presidents: Sen. Chief Gelane Zwane (Deputy President of the Senate) Hon.Trusty Gina, MP (Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Ms Sanele M. Nxumalo (Clerk to Parliament) Houses of Parliament, P.O. Box 37, Lobamba #107, Swaziland.

Tel.: (+268) 416-2407/11, 416-3440 Fax: (+268) 416-1603 Email: clerk@parliament.gov.sz

TANZANIA (www.parliament.go.tz) President: Hon. Samuel John Sitta, MP (Speaker of the National Assembly) Vice-President: Hon. Mizengo Kayanza Peter Pinda, MP (Prime Minister) Mr Hamad Rashid Mohammed, MP (Leader of the opposition) Secretary and Offices: Dr Thomas Kashililah (Clerk) The National Assembly, Box 9133, Dar es Salaam,Tanzania Tel.: (Dar es Salaam): (+255-22) 2118591/2 Fax: (Dar es Salaam): (+255-22) 211-2538 The National Assembly, P.O. Box 941, Dodoma,Tanzania.

Tel.: (Dodoma): (+255-26) 232-2696/ 232-4604 Fax: (Dodoma): (+255-26) 232-4218 Email: dmgalami@parliament.go.tz

ZANZIBAR (Tanzania) President: Hon. Pandu Ameir Kificho, MHR (Speaker of the House of Representatives)

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Vice-President: Hon. Shamsi Vuai Nahodha, MHR (Chief Minister) Secretary and Offices: Mr Ibrahim Mzee Ibrahim (Clerk of the House of Representatives) House of Representatives, P.O. Box 902, Zanzibar,Tanzania.

Tel: (+255-24) 223 0234/5 Fax: (+255-24) 223 0215 Email: zahore@zanlink.com

TONGA (www.parliament.gov.to) President: Hon.Tu’ilakepa, MP (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly) Secretary and Offices: Dr Viliami Uasike Latu (Clerk of the House) Tonga Legislative Assembly, P.O. Box 901, Nuku’alofa,Tonga.

Tel: (+676) 23565/24455 Fax: (+676) 24626 Email: sione_tekiteki@parliament.gov.to

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (www.ttparliament.org) Joint Presidents: Sen. the Hon. Danny Montano (President of the Senate) Hon. Barendra Sinanan, MP (Speaker of the House of Representatives) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Patrick Manning, MP (Prime Minister) Hon. Basdeo Panday, MP (Leader of the Opposition) Joint secretaries and Offices: Ms Jacqui Sampson (Clerk of the House of Representatives, Honorary CPA Branch Secretary) Mr Neil Jaggassar (Clerk of the Senate) Parliament, Red House, P.O. Box 878, Port-of-Spain,Trinidad and Tobago.

Tel: (+1 868) 6232565, 6238366 Fax: (+1 868) 6254672 Email: jsampson@ttparliament.org

TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS President: Hon. Clayton S. Greene, MLA (Speaker of the House of Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Hon. Michael Misick, MHA (Chief Minister) Hon. Floyd E. Seymour, MHA (Leader of the Opposition) Secretary and Offices: Mrs Ruth Blackman

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TUVALU President: Hon. Otinielu Tauteleimalae Tausi, MP (Speaker of the Parliament) Vice-President: Rt Hon. Apisai Ielemia, MP (Prime Minister) Secretary and Offices: Ms Lily Faavae (Acting Clerk of the Parliament) Office of the Speaker, Private Mail Bag, Funafuti,Tuvalu.

Tel.: (+688) 20250 Fax: (+688) 20253, 20843 Email: parliament@tuvalu.tv

VANUATU

Tel: (+44-20) 7219 5373 Fax: (+44-20) 7233 1202 Email: cpa@parliament.uk

Branch suspended

ZAMBIA NORTHERN IRELAND (United Kingdom) (www.niassembly.gov.uk) President: Hon.William Hay, MLA (Speaker of the Assembly) Vice-Presidents: Rt Hon. Rev. Ian Paisley, MP, MLA (First Minister) Secretary and Offices: MrPeter Gregg (Head, External Liaison Unit) Northern Ireland Assembly, Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3XX Tel.: (+44-28) 9052-1130 Fax: (+44-28) 9052-1959 Email:Peter.Gregg@niassembly.gov.uk / speaker@niassembly.gov.uk

SCOTLAND (United Kingdom)

(www.parliament.go.ug) President: Hon. Edward Ssekandi, MP (Speaker of Parliament) Treasurer: Hon. Rosemary Nansubuga Seninde, MP Secretary and Offices: Mr A.M.Tandekwire (Clerk to Parliament) Parliament House, P.O. Box 7178, Kampala, Uganda.

Tel: (+256-414) 256-190/234-340/6/235023/347-438/40 Fax: (+256-414) 231-296/346-826/ 250-459 Email: clerk@parliament.go.ug

(www.scottish.parliament.uk) President: Mr Alex Ferguson, MSP (Presiding Officer) Vice-Presidents: Rt Hon. Alex Salmond, MP, MSP (First Minister) Ms Nicola Sturgeon, MSP (Leader of the party not represented in the Scottish Executive with the greatest number of Members in the Parliament) Secretary and Offices: Mrs Margaret Neal The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh EH99 1SP, United Kingdom Tel: (+44 131) 348 5318 Fax: (+44 131) 348 5259 Email: margaret.neal@scottish. parliament.uk

UNITED KINGDOM

WALES (United Kingdom)

(www.parliament.uk) Joint Presidents: Rt Hon. Baroness Hayman (Lord Speaker) Rt Hon. Michael Martin, MP (Speaker of the House of Commons) Chairman: Rt Hon. Gordon Brown, MP (Prime Minister) Vice-President: Rt Hon. David Cameron, MP (Leader of the Opposition) Joint Honorary Treasurer: Sir Nicholas Winterton, MP Secretary and Offices: Mr Andrew Tuggey Westminster Hall, Houses of Parliament, London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom.

(www.assemblywales.org) President: Rt Hon. Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, PC,AM (Presiding Officer) Vice-President: Hon. Rosemary Butler, AM (Deputy Presiding Officer) Secretary and Offices: Ms Claire Clancy (Chief Executive and Clerk of the National Assembly for Wales) National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff CF99 1NA, United Kingdom.

Tel.: (+44-29) 2089 8705 Fax: (+44-29) 2089-8686 Email: claire.clancy@wales.gsi.gov.uk

UGANDA

(www.parliament.gov.zm) President: Hon. Amusaa K. Mwanamwambwa, MP (Speaker of the National Assembly) VicePresidents: Hon. Michael Mabenga, MP Hon. Request Muntanga, MP Secretary and Offices: Mrs Doris Katai Mwinga (Clerk of the National Assembly) Parliament Buildings, P.O. Box 31299, Lusaka 10101, Zambia.

Tel.: (+260-1) 292-425/36 Fax: (+260-1) 292-252 Email: clerk@parliament.gov.zm

CPA Calender of Events

TBA - CPA Post-Election Seminar, Swaziland TBA - Parliamentary staff and development workshop for the Africa region TBA - CPA-World Bank Institute Conference, British Columbia TBA - CPA-WTO regional workshop on the Multilateral Trade System, Antigua and Barbuda TBA - Post Election Seminar, Grenada TBA - Parliament and the Media Workshop, Seychelles 8-15 February - Public Accounts Committee summer school,Victoria 22-26 Februray (TBC) - Public Accounts Committee summer school, Ghana 13-18 April - CPA Executive Committee Meeting, Bermuda 21-29 September - 55th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, Arusha,Tanzania

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The CPA Organization

(Clerk to Legislative Council) Legislative Council, Front Street, Grand Turk,Turks and Caicos Islands,West Indies.

Tel: (+1-649) 946-2436 Fax: (+1-649) 946-2437 Email: tcilegsco@tciway.tc

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The Kuala Lumpur skyline

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The Online Commonwealth Parliamentary Connection

Click to the latest CPA developments

Click to Parliaments and Legislatures

Click to CPA reports and publications

Click to events and programmes for MPs

www.cpahq.org

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First Reading P ro f e s s i o n a l N e w s f o r P ro f e s s i o n a l P a r l i a m e n t a r i a n s Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association initiatives make news which affects the way Members and parliamentary officials look at the world, their Houses and their roles in both. But that news is hard to extract from today's mass media, even with the best Internet resources.

Now, finding the news that matters to Members - and only the news that matters - is just a click away with the electronic version of First Reading.

Reports on parliamentary developments, election results and CPA advances in good parliamentary and governmental practice, written specifically for the Commonwealth parliamentary community, are published regularly in First Reading, the new CPA newsletter. They can now be delivered direct to Members’ and officials’ email inboxes, free of charge, the instant First Reading is published.

Subscribe to receive First Reading by email at www.cpahq.org