SAARC CONFERENCE
Participating in the discussion Dr Mirza and one of the lead speakers pointed out that democracy could be consolidated if it was able to ensure free and fair elections, an independent Judiciary, a responsible and responsive Executive, a vibrant civil society, a free media and above all a strong Parliament. She further pointed out that transparency and financial accountability remained at the centre-stage of public trust and one such hallmark of the parliamentary system in Pakistan was the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition as the chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, which enhanced people’s confidence in the Parliament. The presence of 22 per cent of women legislators in the National Assembly was a driving force behind social legislation in Pakistan. She envisioned a forum which would infuse a new life into SAARC in the same manner as the European Parliament. The second speaker, Mr Ibrahimi, informed that the transition to democracy had been a long road for Afghanistan and in its efforts towards consolidating democracy. Afghanistan enjoyed a free media, democratic elections and women and youth organizations, which played a vital role in the socio-economic and political life of the country. Shri K. Rahman Khan, the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, India said when the members of Parliament performed their duties honestly and upheld the pledge made to the people Parliament would earn their trust and respect. Mr Shahid said if democratic institutions were to remain relevant and win the confidence and faith of the people they needed to be transparent, result-oriented, time- bound and people-centered. Mr Sheikh Fazlul Karim Salim, MP, Bangladesh, said Parliaments should contribute to the development of an inclusive society and facilitate progress. Shri Yashwant Sinha, MP, India, while
applauding the functioning democracy in all the member countries of SAARC, cautioned against the forces of instability threatening the democracy in South Asia and said that the lack of trust of the people in the democratic system of governance might prove catastrophic. Mr Sunil Handunnetti, MP, Sri Lanka, noted that trust between Parliament and the people could be built only if the basic needs of the citizens were fulfilled. Mr Laxman Prasad Ghimire, Chief Whip, Nepali Congress, highlighted the significance of an inclusive Parliament and elaborated on the initiatives being taken by the Constituent Assembly to make the Parliament of Nepal inclusive. Smt
“The SAARC countries had to learn to speak with one voice on the common challenges that
faced them.” Dr Manmohan Singh, MP
Maya Singh, MP, India pointed out that Parliaments must evolve with changing times and some system should be put in place to take account of the quantitative and qualitative performance of the Parliaments. Mr Anisul Islam Mahmud, MP, Bangladesh, referring to the lack of trust in the democratic system, called upon Parliamentarians to ensure that people’s trust in the democratic process should at least be retained, if not strengthened. Ms Nasima Neyazi, MP, Afghanistan, said democracy could be consolidated in Afghanistan with the active participation of women and youth. She informed that there were 69 women members in the 249- member Wolesi Jirga which exceeded the percentage of quota
328 | The Parliamentarian | 2011: Issue Four
reserved for women. Shri E.T. Mohammed Basheer, MP, India, elaborated on the various pre- requisites for strengthening parliamentary democracy which, inter alia, included decentralization, transparency, freedom of press, inclusiveness, accountability, education, etc. Mr Mangala Samaraweera, MP, Sri Lanka, emphasized that sound democratic practices such as separation of powers, accountability and transparency, independent Election Commission, free media, right to information, etc., were vital to strengthening democracy. He also endorsed the proposal for the establishment of a South Asian Parliament made by the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan. Ms Shahnaz Wazir Ali, MP, Pakistan, stressed on the commonalities of the SAARC countries, including their concern for sustainable development and proposed a committee of SAARC on development issues. Prof. P.J. Kurien, MP, India, stressed four points – poverty alleviation, decentralization of power, education and credibility of leadership – for strengthening democracy. He expressed the view that the proposal for a South Asian Parliament was worthy of consideration. Ms Kashmala Tariq, MP, Pakistan, said internal democracy within political parties was essential for strengthening democracy. Highlighting the threat of terrorism in the region, she asked for harnessing the potential of the youth. Participating in the discussion, Dr Mahesh Joshi, MP, India, said that in order to strengthen democracy, the three organs of the state should deliver on their responsibilities and not interfere in each other’s domain. Shri Arjun Meghwal, MP, India, observed that strengthening trust between Parliament and the people required a strong Election Commission; Parliament’s power to constitutional amendment; compulsory voting, prescribing
educational qualifications for legislators and a model code of conduct for parliamentarians. Shri Nadendla Manohar, Speaker, Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, India advocated for the introduction of e-petition system as a measure to strengthen trust between Parliament and the people. He called upon the SAARC countries to give more attention to the MDGs and to focus on issues like environmental protection and wild life.
Summing up the discussions,
Mr Tshultim highlighted the need to bring about transparency in governance in order to enhance faith and trust of the people in the parliamentary system. He reiterated that Parliament was the supreme institution of democracy and Parliamentarians had a very crucial role to play in strengthening democratic institutions.
Sustainable development In its fourth session, on 10 July, the conference commenced discussion on the second theme Sustainable Development in SAARC Countries: The Way Forward with Mr Subas Chandra Nembang, Speaker of the Parliament of Nepal in the Chair. In his introductory remarks, he said the governments of SAARC countries had to work for development while ensuring sustainability. Dr Sonam Kinga, Deputy Chairman, National Council of Bhutan, observed that development had to be sustainable and the benefits of sustainable development should not merely trickle down but spread out equitably. Referring to the experiences in his own country, Dr Kinga referred to Bhutan’s approach to sustainable development which was guided by an alternative model for development. The idea of Gross National Happiness (GNH), as advanced by the King of Bhutan, emphasized that human beings had a wide range of needs and material needs was only one
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