18 Mar 2013

Parliament has adopted a motion to amend Standing Order 128 to allow for the use of electronic gadgets in Parliament and committees in order to reduce the use of stationery.

A member of the Standing Orders committee, Mr Prince Maele informed Parliament that the use of electronic devices was a relatively new phenomenon in most legislatures around the world, but that their functional value would enhance information access, dissemination and management.

 MP Maele noted that while the functional utility of information communication technology would aid the conduct and disposal of business, he said the new rules incorporate strong regulatory thresholds for the use of electronic gadgets to obviate any impairment of house decorum that may arise from their usage.

He said as per standing orders, electronic tablets and other similar electronic hand held devices may be used by MPs and officers of Parliament during house or committee proceedings to access parliamentary papers and other documents relevant to the business before the house or committee. MP Maele explained that Standing Order 128.4 allowed for the use of electronic devices only with their operative functions in silent mode during Parliament and committee proceedings.

 He said the use of electronic devices whose size, nature and function, may obscure the member using them or the vision of other members or officers in the house or committee, or cause audible disturbance or disruption, or a breach of decorum in any manner whatsoever shall not be allowed in Parliament or committee proceedings.

 The MP for Palapye, Mr Moiseraela Goya applauded the motion and said he hoped the development would pave the way for the introduction of televised parliamentary debates.

 He also called for the diversion of the money which would have been used to buy stationery to be allocated to committees which have been struggling to conduct their business due to lack of funds. ENDS