MNAs boost knowledge in post-election seminar |03 May 2012

The two-day workshop was officially opened yesterday by the speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Herminie in the presence of Vice-President Danny Faure.

Also there were Chief Justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende and the president of the court of appeal Francis MacGregor as well as several ministers.

The leader of government business and leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, Marie-Antoinette Rose and David Pierre, were also present.

Here to lead this seminar for the members of the fifth National Assembly of Seychelles are four members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

They are the member of parliament for Tanzania Hamad Rashid Mohamed, that for Zanzibar House of representatives Ismal Jussa Ladhu, member of parliament for Kenya Karua Martha Wangari and member of the CPA Kenya branch Murumba Werunga.

Among the topics being discussed are the development of the Commonwealth and the role of the CPA as well as the evolution of the parliamentary democracy.

The institutional aspects of the parliamentary system including the relationship between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary are also to be examined and the role of the members of parliament.

This meeting has been organised by the National Assembly of Seychelles in partnership with the CPA to also help to familiarise the new parliamentarians into the working of the parliament. 

A total of 22 out of the 32 seats in the National Assembly are occupied by newly elected members.                                           
Dr Herminie said the workshop is proof of the CPA’s commitment in promoting and developing parliamentary democracy through enhancing knowledge and understanding of democratic governance across the Commonwealth.

He told delegates the workshop will allow them to better represent their people and they should also not forget their paramount goal of exercising greater oversight over the executive and legislature for the greater good of the nation.

“The overall objective is to render our parliament more effective and our democracy stronger.”

He said another vital topic to be discussed in the seminar is ethics and accountability for members of parliament.

Citizens expect parliamentarians to maintain a high moral standard in their professional lives, he added.

Dr Herminie said the citizens expect parliamentarians to serve out of conviction and a commitment to the public good, rather than for the aspirations of personal power and the pursuit of private profit.