national assembly parliamentary democracy

Newly Elected Chairpersons in National Assembly Committees: A Fresh Direction for Parliament

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Newly elected chairpersons in the National Assembly committees bring a fresh direction to parliament. They oversee the administration of their respective committees and transform decisions into reports. Public meetings held by these committees allow ordinary South Africans to express their views and influence parliamentary decisions. Recently, 30 portfolio committees have been established, and sixteen portfolio committees held elections for chairpersons, including representatives for health, finance, and communication and technologies. Members of the public can attend debates or arrange a tour to witness democracy in action.

commonwealth parliamentary democracy

1. Pivotal Parliamentary Gathering in Uganda

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The Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth held its annual meeting in Kampala, Uganda in January 2024. The conference focused on topics such as climate change, diversity and inclusivity in parliaments, security measures, and the role of speakers and presiding officers in building consensus for parliamentary business. Beyond political and academic significance, the event provided a platform for diverse voices and informal networking opportunities. The event celebrated the diversity of the Commonwealth’s parliamentary institutions and reaffirmed the crucial role that parliamentary figures play in shaping the future of democracy.