ROLE OF AN MP
THE ROLE OF AN MP IN CAMEROON
The role of any Member of Parliament varies within every country, region and constituency, but one of the main priorities remain the same: creating laws and policies geared towards the wellbeing of a country’s citizens. An MP from Cameroon explains his perspective of three differernt functions entailed with the roles and resposibilities of an MP.
Hon. Njume Peter Ambang, MP Mr Ambang is a Member of the Parliament of Cameroon.
Introduction Parliaments are powerful institutions in every democracy, and can vary in size, in its powers and functions depending on the intrinsic peculiarities of each country. The aspirations of Cameroonians, particularly those most affected by government policies are expressed and heard through the policy-making process. Parliamentarians are therefore seen as key players in fostering democracy and promoting public policies geared towards the wellbeing of the people.
The Role of an MP The role of an MP in Cameroon may be described from three viewpoints namely:
1. Legislating and ensuring oversight The role of Parliament in Cameroon is enshrined in the constitution. Under section 14(2), “Parliament shall legislate and control government action”. The main role of an MP is first and foremost as a lawmaker and acting as a government watchdog or, a whistleblower to check any social vices.
With regards to policy issues,
the accomplishment of its task, they need to liaise and cooperate with Cabinet Ministers. The MP exercises oversight duties by ensuring that legislation and government policies are effectively implemented. The MP monitors the financial, administrative and management practices of public officers and holds them accountable to ensure transparency.
Hon. Njume Peter Ambang, MP
an MP participates in activities designated to assist in the passing of legislation, by exercising their work in committees and in plenaries. Even though MP’s are expected to “toe the party line”, they nonetheless are involved in the scrutiny and amendment of legislative instruments. Members of Parliament are engaged in debates on their constituents as well as their own personal convictions. Considering that MP’s are policymakers, they require adequate support from Parliament to enable them to carry out research so that they can perform their role in national governance and development. The work of an MP in Cameroon is not full-time., but an MP can create a role for him/herself. Circumstances within and without Parliament can make an MP’s life and work become perpetually functional, as he/she tries to reconcile with party demands from the constituency, contacts and even from the diaspora. MPs are never off-duty. Considering that MPs have to guide the government in
2. The Peoples’ Representative The MP is the link between the government and the electorate., and has the mission of bringing the needs, problems and concerns of the citizens to the government for action. It is also the duty of the MP to familiarize the public with ongoing government plans and policies aimed at addressing their problems and concerns. To enable the MP to accomplish this role, it is important for them to have established and maintained a range of contacts throughout the constituency. This will help him/her develop a complete knowledge of the issues affecting the constituency and its citizens. Each MP has a constitutional office where matters are brought in for discussion by the electorate. The MP listens to the people and tries to provide solutions.
3. Supporting the Party Part of the job of an MP is to uphold the official policies of his/her party in Parliament. The MP has to showcase party policies in the constituency and work for the furtherance of party objectives. The MP represents the party from
the grassroots level up to the national level.
Activities can vary from attending
funerals to community driven activities to the commissioning of appointed state officials. As the party’s political icon in the constituency, an MP is expected to be a role model and a motivator. Hence, the leadership and the personal involvement provided by the MP is quite inspirational. The MP therefore stands to win public support and sympathy for the party through his/ her character.
Conclusion Parliamentarians in Cameroon have a daunting role of law-making, and they achieve this purpose throughout their mandate. Members of Parliament in Cameroon are therefore seen as those with the potential and capability to transform Cameroon through the promotion of democracy. Members of Parliament should therefore be conscious of the fact that they are elected to consider the needs, problems and concerns of the people so as to address these issues for the advancement of the communities they represent. However, it is quite important
for MPs in Cameroon to be given adequate support so that they can positively play their role in meeting national goals and aspirations. After all, the MP is held
responsible and accountable by the electorate for the delivery of these roles even if he/she does not have the resources.
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