Debating the Pan African Parliament

Lusaka, ZambiaPhosile Tracy Nya-Makwakwa (2006-05-17)

It was good to read the article on the visit of Dr Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem to the Pan African Parliament (PAP). It is good that I have finally found space to air my views on the PAP. Firstly, I concur with the sentiments that there is a need to publicize the existence of the PAP as the majority in our various countries are not even aware that there is the existence of such an institution in Africa. Publicizing the PAP will certainly enhance the desires of oneness and strengthening the mindsets of all of us towards a unified Africa. This will build us more than ever and the potential of this PAP towards unifying Africa is certainly understated.

Secondly, I would like to comment on the process of representation on the PAP. Why can’t it be mandatory that we have elected leaders to represent us from each country? The election process should happen at the same time from each country. The criteria for being elected should be that each candidate should have served a full term in their own countries. The elections should be given full attention with a mandate required from all districts in every country. If I feel that I have the power to elect a representative from my country to represent me at Continental level, I will be sure to have an interest in what that MP is going to say or contribute in the PAP.

Therefore I would like to call upon all Africans to support my call for all Nations to conduct elections for their Pan African Parliament candidates. These elections need not be expensive as we could use our existing infrastructure at district level and get civil society and civic bodies to organise and mobilize for the administration of such an election. It is by carrying out such activities that the local people will feel the importance of the PAP.

Thirdly, should the above-mentioned proposal be accepted by all, it will give room for the members to have full allegiance to the PAP and not consider it as just another activity through which to get an extra allowance.

This is how we as a continent will be able to build our continental leadership. This is a call for our leaders to start investing seriously in the PAP.

Source: Pambazaka News