09 Nov 2017

Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Gladys Kokorwe has been elected president of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa region.

She was elected at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference held in Nigeria from October 20-26.

Briefing members of the media on November 8, Ms Kokorwe noted that by virtue of her being elected to the position, Botswana would be hosting the 49th CPA Africa region conference in Gaborone in August 2018.

The CPA Africa region is part of the CPA International Organisation composed of countries that were formally under British rule with limited exceptions.

It is an organisation of national parliaments which are committed to promoting respect for human rights and freedoms, and the pursuit of the ideals of democracy and good governance.

The organisation also builds understanding and unity among countries of the region and continent as well as promoting the interests and perspective of Africa within the Commonwealth and beyond.

Ms Kokorwe said topics discussed during the recent conference included gender, social, health, education and environment issues as well as political and economic developments.

She said the conference resolved that African parliaments should enact laws to create equal opportunity commissions as a basis for challenging all laws, policies, customs and traditions that discriminate against women, including people with disabilities.

It also encouraged African governments to formulate national gender policies to ensure gender equity in political offices and to promote affirmative action and social inclusion.

The conference also urged African governments to ratify and domesticate the 1991 Abuja Treaty on the free movement of Africans within Africa by adopting a common passport and abolishing all visa requirements.

In other issues, Ms Kokorwe said the current Parliament sitting was going to be the busiest, noting that they had  received 186 private members questions, five ministers’ questions and 26 private members motion.

She, however, could not state how many bills would be presented.  Parliament is expected to end its business on December 15. ENDS