Parliament the pulse of democracy: Secretary-General

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma said Parliaments and Parliamentarians are at the heart of the democratic process. He committed the Commonwealth Secretariat to continuing to work in partnership with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) to strengthen Parliament in Commonwealth member states.

“When Parliament works 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, 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. These institutions have to be nurtured, supported and strengthened in the right spirit,” said the Secretary-General. He was addressing the CPA’s 54th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 5 August 2008.

Mr Sharma commented on recent peaceful changes of government following parliamentary elections, saying that the transfer of power through a democratic process is one of the cornerstones of democracy and good governance. He said the changes of government in Sierra Leone and Belize through elections are recent examples.

“This is the type of model we need to emulate and support everywhere, through developing parliamentary procedures, respecting constitutional governance and promoting a culture of participation,” emphasised the Secretary-General. “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.”

Mr Sharma also spoke of the importance and value of Parliaments in resolving tensions at addressing political conflict through democratic means. He cited the cases of Kenya and Pakistan where parties from across the respective divides are coming together in Parliament to discuss, argue and differ, but also to find common ground to help their countries find a way forward.

The Secretary-General added that he hoped Fiji Islands will move towards elections in March 2009 to restore parliamentary democracy. Fiji has been suspended from the councils of the Commonwealth since December 2006 following a military overthrow of the government.

Mr Sharma concluded that the challenge is for Commonwealth parliamentarians, the CPA and the Commonwealth Secretariat to help member countries close the gap between the reality and realisation of democratic ideals.

The Secretary-General also launched the Secretariat’s latest publication, ‘Financing Local Government’, at the Kuala Lumpur conference where he stressed the importance of strengthening democracy through enhanced local government in order to benefit society at the grassroots level.

Click here for the full text of the Secretary-General’s speech.

Click here for information on the Commonwealth Secretariat’s new publication ‘Financing Local Government’.

Secretariat Links:

• Secretary-General

Related Websites:

• Commonwealth Parliamentary Association