PAP Presidency: Charumbira outlines his vision for a vibrant parliament.

The Acting President of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) and front-runner in the Monday May 31 election for the presidency of PAP, Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira has promised that his election will lead to improved relationship between the parliament and other policy organs of the African Union (AU).

This was contained in a statement a copy of which was made available to African Parliamentary News.

Charumbira recalled that lack of implementation of decisions of AU policy in the past by PAP has resulted in strained relationship which has translated to audit queries and budget cuts which adversely affected the image of the PAP.

He pledged to work towards creating an enabling environment for members of PAP to effectively and efficiently execute their mandate including enhancing the status and welfare of parliamentarians.

Under his tenure, PAP will abide by the principles and shared values of the AU and lead by example. He observed that this has been demonstrated by the implementation of directives of the AU policy organs which called on PAP to ensure the rotation of the office of the president of PAP. This, he said will result in a more robust relationship with the AU and ultimately put the ratification of the Malabo Protocol on the front burner.

Charumbira noted that the AU directive issued during the Thirty First Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council held from June 27 to July 1, 2017 (Doc. EX.CL/1028(XXXI)  which called on the Pan African Parliament to apply the African Union values, rules and regulations in managing all activities and of the organ, including rotation of the Bureau and Presidency was consistent with PAP Resolution passed in May 2017 vide PAP.4/PLN/RES/08/MAY.17 which amended PAP’s Rules of Procedure to include the principle of rotation of the office of the President of the Pan-African Parliament.

According to Charumbira, PAP is now in a better position to request for enhanced budgetary provisions including the restoration of the allowances of parliamentarians, health insurance scheme for MPs and better funding for the statutory committees to enable them carry out their oversight functions.