59th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, Johannesburg, South Africa Report

The 59th CPC was held in Johannesburg, South Africa from 28th August to 6th September, 2013. Due to ongoing Parliament Session Hon’ble Speaker, and Members of Parliament could not attend the Conference due to extended Parliament Session. Following delegates from State CPA Branches of attended the Conference:

Sl. No. Name of CPA Branch/Delegates

1 Arunachal Pradesh

Shri Wanglin Lowangdong Speaker Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly 1. 2 Assam Branch

Shri Bhimananda Tanti Deputy Speaker Assam Legislative Assembly 2. 3 Bihar Branch

Shri Uday Narain Choudhary Speaker Bihar Vidhan Sabha 3. 4 Delhi Branch

Dr. Yoganand Shastri Speaker Delhi Legislative Assembly 4. 5 Branch

Shri Rajendra Arlekar Speaker Goa Legislative Assembly 5. 6 Gujarat Branch

Shri Ashwinbhai Kotwal, MLA Shri Shankarbhai Lagdhirbhai Chaudhary, MLA Gujarat Legislative Assembly 6. 7 Haryana Branch

Shri Kuldip Sharma Speaker Haryana Vidhan Sabha 8 Himachal Pradesh Branch

Shri Brij Behari Lal Butail Speaker Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly 9 Jammu and Kashmir Branch

Shri Mubarak Gul Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly 10 Jharkhand Branch

Shri Chandreshwar Prasad Singh MLA Jharkhand Legislative Assembly 11 Karnataka Branch

Shri D.H. Shankaramurthy Chairman Karnataka Legislative Assembly 12 Kerala Branch

Shri G. Karthikeyan, Speaker, Kerala Legislative Assembly 13 Branch

Shri Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh Speaker Manipur Legislative Assembly 14 Meghalaya Branch

Shri Abu Taher Mondal Speaker Meghalaya Legislative Assembly 15 Mizoram Branch

Shri John Rotluangliana, Deputy Speaker, Mizoram Legislative Assembly 16 Branch

Shri Chotisuh Sazo Speaker Nagaland Legislative Assembly

Shri Kiyanilie Peseyie Minister, Govt. of Nagaland Regional Representative -CPA Executive Committee 17 Puducherry Branch

Shri V. Sabapathy @ Kothandaraman, Speaker, Puducherry Legislative Assembly 18 Punjab Branch

Dr. Charnjit Singh Atwal, Speaker, Punjab Legislative Assembly 19 Sikkim Branch

Shri M.B. Dahal Deputy Speaker , Sikkim Legislative Assembly 20 Tamil Nadu Branch

Shri Palani Dhanapal Speaker , Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly 21 Tripura Branch

Shri Ramendra Chandra Debnath Speaker Tripura Legislative Assembly 22 Uttarakhand Branch

Shri Govind Singh Kunjwal Speaker Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly 23 Uttar Pradesh Branch

Shri Mata Prasad Pandey Speaker Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly 24 West Bengal Branch

Shri Biman Bandyopadhyay, Speaker, West Bengal Legislative Assembly

The arrival date of the delegates was 1st September, 2013. The Conference was officially inaugurated on Monday 2nd September, 2013 by Hon’ble Mr. Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma the President of Republic of South Africa. The vote of thanks was given by Vice-President of CPA Rt. Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibric.

At the inaugural ceremony the President of CPA Hon. Mr. Mninwa Johannes Mahalangu, MP read out the message from Her Majesty the Queen which extended warmest wishes to the delegates of 59th CP Conference from about 170 Parliaments and Legislatures. The message appreciated that CPA has chosen a most relevant theme of the Conference “Effective Solutions to Commonwealth Developmental Challenges”. Her Majesty the Queen wished all success for the Conference.

The President of CPA counted the challenges being faced by the Commonwealth in form of home, food for millions, socio-economic security and development of people, peace and stability in various regions of the Commonwealth. He also noted the challenges in the area of gender equality, women emancipation, sanitation, health of child bearing women. Parliament in its proactive role should strive to promote tolerance, responsive governance, good governance and development. He emphasized that 59th Commonwealth Conference would re-affirm our belief in Democracy, Rule of Law and Human Rights.

Other dignitaries present in the dais were Mr. Jacob Zuma Hon’ble President of the Republic of South Africa; Shri Kamlesh Sharma, Secretary- General, Commonwealth; Mr. F.W. Shija, Secretary-General, CPA; Sir Alan Haselhurst, Chairperson CPA Executive Committee.

Sir Alan Haselhurst in his speech termed ailing Mr. Nelson Mandela as the Hero to the whole world and wished his speedy recovery. He informed the delegates how CPA is promoting the cause of youth and women through its various programme. He mentioned that administration structure as well internal audit system are being modified within the CPA. He requested delegates to support a universally accepted status of CPA.

In his opening address President Zuma welcomed all the delegates to South Africa and reminded them how CPA has promoted Parliamentary democracy throughout the world. He also described how South Africa has fought the colonial rule and also apartheid in its way to democracy. He eulogized the support of Commonwealth given to South Africa in its road to liberation. H.E. President emphasized that Commonwealth Communiqué and Commonwealth Charter are model document for the Commonwealth countries and requested the delegates to deliberate on this during the Conference. Hon. President also appreciated that CWP Conference has become a part of the main Plenary Conference.

President requested the delegates to push for more funds to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. He mentioned that different countries have different starting point towards achieving MDGs goals. It is now agreed that some countries need more financing to achieve these goals. Hon. President pleaded for Parliamentary supremacy for deepening democracy. Democratic institutions should be enriched. Parliaments should oversight the world peace and Mr. President wished that the conflicts in Syria and Arab World will be solved through UN and without violation of any international law.

Vice-President of CPA Rt. Hon. Cavaye Y. Djibric, Speaker of the National Assembly of Cameroon gave vote of thanks and welcomed delegates to visit Cameroon which will host the 60th Commonwealth parliamentary conference in Yaoundé next year in October, 2014.

First Plenary

Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary General, Commonwealth delivered his key note address in the Plenary. Mr. Sharma mentioned that a new global plan is already underway on a post 2015 sustainable development framework which will emphasise on gender equality and pro-poor development. Secretary-General, Commonwealth praised the role of CPA whose members are parliamentarians and it helps in strengthening the principle of Parliamentary Democracy. It promotes the ideal of learning from one another and gaining through the exchange of ideas, experience and insight.

Mr. Sharma informed the delegates that Commonwealth is putting emphasis on gender issue, working with men and boys on gender sensitivity, women empowerment, adoption of clear objectives of sound governance, including free and fair elections for representative legislatures in a participatory democracy, an independent judiciary, a well trained public service, a transparent and accountable public accounts system and machinery to protect human rights.

Secretary-General, Commonwealth was of the view that substantial progress has been made both globally and in the Commonwealth, a long road still lies ahead, for example, meeting targets on basic education, reducing maternal mortality and hunger and pushing for gender equality.

Secretary-General, Commonwealth informed that delegates that CHOGM will be held in November, 2013 in Sri Lanka. This meet will explore how growth and development can be advanced.

Secretary-General, CPA informed the delegates that CPA will adopt a full Conference Concluding Statement in the 59th CPC as decided by the CPA General Assembly last year in Colombo, Sri Lanka. To achieve this Discussion Leaders in all the Workshops/Plenary will submit a recommendation of up to 25 words on the main point of his/her presentation. Moderator will ask for consensus of the delegates and in case of consensus the recommendation will be adopted. In case of no consensus the recommendation will only be noted. These recommendations will be brought to the attention of the respective executives.

Secretary-General, CPA also informed the delegates that CPA is making first ever Business Plan for 2013-2015 that will support implementation of the Strategic Plan.

CWP Business Meeting

During the CWP Business Meeting the election for the post of Chairperson, CWP Steering Committee was held. Following were the two contestants for the post:

(i) Ms. Lisa Baker, MLA Western Australia, Australia (ii) Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadga, MP Uganda

As per the procedure for the election all the women delegates were eligible voters. Bio-data of both the candidates were circulated well in advance to all the CPA Branches. Both the candidates were nominated and seconded without speeches. The nominated candidates were given 10 minutes time one by one to address the delegates.

There were 105 voters and 98 valid votes were polled out of which one vote was spoilt. Ms. Lisa Baker, MLA, Western Australia got 29 votes whereas Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, MP, Uganda received 68 votes. Ms. Kadaga was declared the winner by the Returning Officer Dr. William Shija, Secretary- General, CPA. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga is a lawyer by profession. She is currently the Speaker of Ugandan Parliament.

India Region had not participated in CWP Business Meeting as there was no woman delegate.

During the Conference following eight topics were discussed in Workshop Sessions:

A Land Access and Ownership: Progress and Challenges Experienced by Rural Communities in Accessing Land. What could be the Role and Intervention of Parliamentarians?

B Should there be Parliamentary Intervention in the Informal Economy and Entrepreneurship Sectors?

C The Challenges of Attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.

D Inequitable Resource-Sharing: A Threat to Democratic Governance.

E Role of Parliamentarians in Transfer of Technology and Research to Boost Agricultural Productivity.

F Governing Democratically in a Tech-Empowered World: Deepening Partnerships Between Parliaments and Parliamentary Monitoring Organizations.

G Separation of Powers and Good Governance.

H Policy solutions for Caring for an Ageing Population.

Indian delegates participated in all the Workshops.

Workshop-A

Shri Mata Prasad Pandey, Speaker, Uttar Pradsh vidhan Sabha; Shri B.B.L. Butail, Speaker, Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly; Shri Bhimananda Tant, Deputy Speaker, Assam Legislative Assembly; Shri M.B. Dahal, Deputy Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly attended the Workshop-A. Shri Butail emphasizing on equitable distribution of land resources mentioned that “there is also evidence that a more equal distribution of land leads subsequently to faster growth and annually 5 to 10 million hectares of agricultural land are lost due to increasing population, increase in cultivation of land”. The workshop emphasized the role of women and traditional communities in the process of land acquisition.

Following were the Discussion Leaders:

(i) Hon. G.G. Mokgoro, MO (South Africa)

(ii) Dr. G. Paradza, Senior Researcher, University of the Western Cape

(iii) Professor G. Mayende, Vice Rector, Free State University of Technology

The Discussion Leaders submitted following resolutions for consideration of the workshop delegates:

 Governments must understand the needs of rural communities by creating effective platforms for discussion and Parliamentarians must pass responsive legislation to correct imbalances.  Communities needing access to land are largely poor and marginalized, mostly women, which raises the need for Parliament to engage in regular outreach programmes to rural communities.

While the first recommendation from the Workshop was endorsed the second was noted (not accepted unanimously) by participants.

Delegates agreed that land allocated for food production should be protected to minimize the risk of conflict. It was also discussed that in order to achieve land reform, pre and post-settlement support, training, credit, market access, equipment, pricing strategy, infrastructure and land tenure security must be ensured.

Workshop-B

In the Workshop-B the topic “Should there be parliamentary intervention in the informal economy and entrepreneurship sectors” was discussed. This topic was suggested by the CWP. Following were the discussion leaders in the workshop :

(i) Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, MP (Bangladesh) Speaker of Parliament (ii) Hon. Alix Boyd Knights, MHA Speaker of the House of Assembly (Dominica) & Chairperson, Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (iii) Mr. Andreas Klemmer Senior Enterprise Development Specialist International Labour Organisation (ILO)

Moderator of the Workshop was Ms Jhapelo Dorothy Chiloane, MP (South Africa) and President of CWP.

The Workshop discussed about the globalization and liberalization which brought the informal sector into focus as a part of global economy. Delegates were of the view that majority women are the part of informal sector. Therefore, the emphasize was on the role of Parliamentarians who should play an effective role in bringing the difficulties faced by women in this sector to the notice of all and solve these problems. The delegates agreed that this could be achieved through legislative and policy measures that equip women-led entrepreneurship with socio-economic protection and enhance the limited bargaining power.

Delegates from Nagaland and Mizoram CPA Branches attended Workshop-B.

Following three recommendations suggested by the Discussion Leaders were noted (i.e. not accepted unanimously):

 As cannabis has gained acceptance as a very effective drug for many medical conditions, should Parliament legislate strict conditions under which it can be grown for export?  Parliament may effectuate change in informal economy sector dynamic through legislative and policy measures to equip women-led entrepreneurship with socio-economic protection, enhancing limited bargaining power.  Forge closer linkages between Parliament, civil society, and the private sector in order to facilitate the promotion of women entrepreneurship in an integrated approach.

Workshop-C

The topic for Workshop-C was “The Challenges of Attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGS) by 2015”. Following were the Discussion Leaders of the Workshop”

(i) Hon. Anglu Farrugia, MP(Malta) Speaker of the House of Representatives (ii) Hon. Mlungisi Johnson, MP (South Africa) (iii) Mr. AGAFILI Patisela Eteuati Tolovaa, MP (Samoa) (iv) Mr. Sharles Chauvel Parliamentary Development Adviser United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

It was emphasized that when less than 1000 days are there for the deadline for achieving MDGs, Parliamentarians need to be active in development programme. MP from Malta urged delegates to appreciate that people everywhere need to be conscious of their responsibilities and should press governments to augment resources dedicated to the MDGs effort.

Delegates agreed that progress has been made in achieving the MDGs but still more work have to be done.

Delegates from India Region participated in the Workshop.

Following recommendations were presented before the Workshop delegates:

 People everywhere need to be conscious of their responsibilities and should press governments and international developmental partners to augment, not deduct, resources dedicated to the MDG effort.  Parliamentarians must ensure all interventions are framed in the context of national development strategies that define appropriate actions to ensure the long-term sustainability of results.  That the challenges in meeting the MDGs by 2015 show why Parliamentarians must play a central role in ensuring a robust post-2015 development environment.  There is a need for the Research and Development budget to be prioritized towards a comprehensive human development strategy.

All the recommendations were endorsed by the delegates.

Workshop-D

In Workshop-D the delegates discussed the topic “Inequitable resource- sharing: a threat to democratic governance”. The Discussion Leaders of the Workshop were as follows:

(i) Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, MHR (Nigeria) Speaker of the House of Representatives (ii) Senator David Smith (Canada) (iii) Hon. S.K. Devamany, MLA (Perak) Speaker of the Legislative Assembly (iv) Mr. Axel Schimmelpfenning Senior Resident Representative in South Africa International Monitory Fund (IMF)

The Moderator was Dr. Mark Robinson MP (Queensland)

Delegates were of the view that inequitable resource sharing not only impairs economic growth but hampers democratic governance because it reduces the opportunity for oversight and accountability.

The Discussion Leader from Nigeria mentioned that unfair distribution of resources manifests in four different ways through the unequal distribution of the nation’s natural resources, the exclusion of certain ethnic groups from government processes, the lopsided distribution of political appointments and the concentration of capital resources in a few hands. These create the distinct classes of “haves and have nots”.

Dr. Charnjit Singh Atwal, Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha mentioned that to ensure equitable sharing reaches disadvantaged communities there is necessity of effective Law and its implementation. He emphasized that “equitable sharing of resources implies the equal rights of all people in society to have access to all natural resources including forests, rivers, land, coal and minerals among others”.

Senator David Smith from Canada mentioned that half of world’s natural resources situated in world’s poorest countries. Extraction of these resources would provide unprecedented opportunity for supporting human development goals and economic growth.

The Discussion Leader from IMF stressed on transparent utilization of natural resources for benefit of the country and its people.

Shri Mubarak Gul, Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly informed that members about the importance of Food Security Bill and Direct Cash Transfer which are being implemented in India to benefit the poor and deprived section of the society.

Following four recommendations were submitted by the Discussion Leaders and all were endorsed:

 The CPA should continue to build the capacity of Parliamentarians for effective and responsive representation to mitigate the effect of inequitable distribution of resources.  Natural resource extraction lies at the core of economic and social development, so Parliamentarians must address the critical issue of inequitable sharing of resource wealth.  “People-centric” must be the core of Parliamentarians who must lead the political will to transform the democratic fundamentals of their nations without fear or favour.  Ensure transparency to foster proper natural resource revenue use through clearly defined responsibilities, an open budget process, public availability of information and assurances of integrity.

Workshop-E

In Workshop-E the topic of discussion was “Role of Parliamentarians in Transfer of Technology and Research to Boost Agricultural Productivity”. Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, MP (Cayman Islands) Speaker of the Assembly was the Moderator and following three were the Discussion Leaders:

(i) Hon. George Nnensa, MP (Malawi) (ii) Hon. Shawkat Momen Shahjahan, MP (Bangladesh) (iii) Mr. Tim Mulherin, MLA (Queensland) (iv) Mr. Tony Worthington Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich

Discussion Leader from Bangladesh mentioned that Parliaments must ensure the value of democratic governance rooted in the meaningful coordination and understanding amongst bureaucracy and the implementing agencies foster agricultural development processes. Role of technology to boost agricultural production was also emphasized. Discussion Leader from National Resources Institute said that Governments and Parliaments should foster collaboration with technologic firms to promote green revolution. Members also expressed concern at the effect of climate change on agricultural productivity. Massive urbanization also eating into land meant for agriculture. Shri B.B.L. Butail, Speaker, Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly informed the delegates about the role of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), 632 KVKs in India, agricultural universities in provincial agricultural sector in India. He emphasized on a Second Green Revolution with the help of bio- technology and private sector involvement.

On the Role of Parliaments it was agreed that “Parliaments have to ensure that technology and the knowledge available from research and development is appropriately disseminated and implemented to increase sustainable agricultural production. Appropriate policies benefiting farmers have to be developed and implemented, ensuring that the existing infrastructure and capacity safeguards food security. Parliaments must be at the forefront of debates regarding the ethics of food production and the implications of new technology, and research and development in this regard”.

Following four recommendations were endorsed in the Workshop:

 Parliamentarians must lobby governments to ensure that the relevant departments of agriculture have the capacity to transfer technologies which will directly reach out to the farmers.  Parliament may ensure the value of democratic governance, rooted with meaningful coordination and understanding amongst Legislature, bureaucracy and implementing agencies to foster agriculture development process.  Parliamentarians must encourage the creation of collaboratively funded research and development organizations and promote new technology through specialist commercialization units that work directly with farmers.  National Agriculture Committees should investigate with companies such as Microsoft, Apple and Vodafone how their Digital Revolution can most effectively promote our Green Revolution.

Workshop-F

The Workshop-F topic was “Governing democratically in a tech- empowered world: deepening partnerships between Parliaments and Parliamentary Monitoring Organizations (PMOs). Hon. Dr. Pambos Papageoregiou, MO (Cyprus) was the Moderator and there were four following Discussion Leaders:

(i) Hon. Dr. Benjamin Kunbour, MP (Ghana) (ii) Mr. Junaid Anwar, MNA () (iii) Hon. Dave Levac, MPP (Ontario) Speaker of the Legislative Assembly (iv) Mr. K. Scott Hubli Director of Governance Programs National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI)

Discussion Leader from Ghana mentioned that use and adoption of technology in Governments and Parliaments has encouraged participation, accountability and representation among citizens. The Discussion Leader was of the opinion that Parliamentary Monitoring Organizations make information regarding Parliaments more accessible thus encourage citizens to participate and held the Parliament as well as Government accountable. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario Mr. Dave Levac mentioned that use of email, website, twitters, facebook, etc. allow citizens to monitor and connect with elected officials in more ways than before. Members realized that in spite of Information Bills passed in some countries, there is skepticism among people. Members appreciated that Parliamentary Monitoring Organisations have adopted the Declaration on Parliamentary Openness to set benchmarks and standards.

The Workshop adopted the following recommendations:

 Democratic governance has assumed global significance roles; Parliaments and Parliament Monitoring Organisations play complementary roles in governance processes. ICT should provide an interface for such processes.  Enhancing public participation and education about Parliament involves more than using technology to provide information; Parliaments must ensure information is explained and put into context.  The Commonwealth parliamentary Association endorses the principles of the Declaration on Parliamentary Openness and should develop recommended benchmarks for democratic parliamentary conduct.  The role of Parliamentary Monitoring Organisations should be enhanced to make Parliamentarians, especially young Parliamentarians, performance up to mark and make the Parliament Committees effective.

Workshop-G

The topic of Workshop-G was “Separation of powers and good governance”. The Moderator of the Workshop was Hon. Henry Chimunthu Banda, MP (Malawi), Speaker of the National Assembly. Following were the Discussion Leaders:

(i) Hon. Nimal De Silva, MP (Sri Lanka) (ii) Deputy Roy Le Herissier (Jersey) (iii) Hon. Michael Carrington, MP (Barbados) Speaker of the House of Assembly (iv) Justice Charles Mkandawire Vice President, Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association (CMJA)

This topic was selected out of the topics submitted by the Small Branches.

The doctrine of the separation of powers is one of the basic constitutional principles of modern liberal democracy. This doctrine promoted good governance by appropriate specialization. Justice Mkandawire mentioned that at present there is more cooperation among the organs of the Government than separation. Delegates discussed how smaller States are facing difficulty in pursuing the principle of separation of power. The delegates were of the view that if Legislatures wanted to fulfill their responsibilities effectively, they needed to be financially an administratively independent.

Following recommendations were adopted in the Workshop:

 The concepts of the separation of powers and good governance must take into account the need for rapid political, social and economic development.  Parliamentarians must be able to operate independently of the Executive through scrutiny mechanisms that are invested with significant powers and provided with adequate resources.  Commonwealth Parliaments should ensure the promotion of awareness of the Latimer House Principles and enact legislation to preserve Judicial Independence and Judicial Accountability.  Radical constitutional reform is necessary to ensure the successful existence of the doctrine of the separation of powers and by extension, continued good governance.

Workshop-H

“Policy solutions for caring of an ageing population” was the topic of discussion in Workshop-H. Hon. Asser Kuveri Kapere, MP and Chairman of the National Council of Namibia was the Moderator of the Workshop. Following four are the Discussion Leaders:

(i) Hon. Stephen Wade MLC (South Australia) (ii) Ms. Irene Mathyssen, MP (Canada) (iii) Dr. Lam Pin Min, MP (Singapore) (iv) Professor Herbert Vilakazi Democracy Development Programme (DDP)

Members participating in the discussion were of the view that Parliaments should empower citizens to decide their care and treatment. Person’s preferences and directions should be respected. A Canadian MP Ms. Mathyssen said more investment in home-care services and medical personnel who make regular visits to homes will allow more seniors to stay on in their own homes, which is more cost effective than nursing homes and hospitals.

Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Speaker, Goa Legislative Assembly said that old age pension scheme in India ensure access to health care.

Parliamentarians were of the view that countries cannot be equally resourced, however, care of aged should be adequately funded.

Following recommendations were adopted in the Workshop:

 Parliament should empower citizens to decide their care and treatment as they age and at life’s natural end, and protect professionals who respect those decisions.  Commonwealth countries are facing a population that will live longer so Governments and Parliaments must investigate all options in establishing care systems for ageing populations.  Parliamentarians should foster a society where seniors can age in place within their homes and the community.

Final Plenary

Final Plenary Session was held on 5th September, 2013 on the topic “A Parliamentary Response to the Commonwealth Charter”.

Hon. Mninwa Johannes Mahlungu, President of the CPA and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces of South Arica was in the Chair. Ms. Kerry McCarthy, MP (UK), Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, Adviser and Header of Africa Section, Political Affairs Division of Commonwealth Secretariat were the Discussion Leaders.

Members appreciated that Commonwealth Charter enshrine the principles of democracy, human rights, international peace and security, tolerance, respect and understanding and freedom of expression. As an instrument it may be used by the Commonwealth to uphold and enforce commitment to the principles of Commonwealth and deal with any violations.

Ambassador Ayebare mentioned that the document was a milestone in the development and prosperity of the Commonwealth. He emphasized that this would achieved through integration and domestication of the Charter, passing relevant resolutions and legislation reflecting the spirit of the Commonwealth Charter.

Discussion was held on right to sexual orientation. Some members pleaded that discussion should not be detracted from the importance of Charter by focusing on a single issue.

Dr. Charnjit Singh Atwal, Speaker, Punjab Legislative Assembly participating in the discussion gave an account of the principles of the Charter and mentioned that if it incumbent upon the Commonwealth countries to be more responsive towards these principles.

At the end of the discussion following recommendations were endorsed:

 CPA Member Parliaments must integrate the provision of the charter in their work. Parliaments should popularize, monitor and exercise oversight on the Executive for compliance.  Commonwealth Parliamentarians and Parliaments have a duty to hold their governments to account if they fail to uphold the values set out in the Charter.  Parliaments are the heart of democratic society and indispensable for popularizing, implementing and enhancing the fundamental principles and values of the Commonwealth Charter.

General Assembly

The General Assembly of CPA met on 5th September, 2013. Hon. Mr. Mninwa Mahlungu, President of the CPA, Hon. Max Sisulu, Speaker of the National Assembly, Vice-President of CPA Rt. Hon Cavaye Djibril, Secretary- General, Commonwealth, Secretary General, CPA and officers of the CPA Secretariat attended the General Assembly. In the absence of Treasurer CPA an alternate acting Treasurer from Swaziland attended the meeting.

Delegates from India Region attended the General Assembly. A copy of the agenda of the General Assembly is placed below.

General Assembly adopted the Minutes of last General Assembly held in Sri Lanka. General Assembly was informed that the Commonwealth of Australia CPA has withdrawn from the CPA. However, the Australia Region has mentioned their full commitment to the CPA and expressed hope that after the election to the Federal Government there may be some rethinking in Australia.

Sir Alan Haselhurst, Chairperson, CPA Executive Committee informed the delegates about the activities undertaken by him to promote the role of small branches, youth and women in the CPA. He also emphasized on a universally acceptable status of CPA.

Turk and Caicos branch came out of the abeyance on approval of the General Assembly.

The term of Sardar Harmohinder Singh Chatta, Regional Representative from CPA India Region ended. In his place Hon. Nadendla Manohar, Speaker, Legislative Assembly of Andhra Pradesh was elected. Charanjit Singh Atwal received a plaque for Sardar Chatta given to him on his retirement from the CPA Executive Committee.

Gauteng Branch of CPA had earlier proposed an amendment to the CPA Constitution to delete Article 37(2)(e). Gauteng CPA Branch withdrew the proposal.

Two participants from Youth Parliament held in UK addressed the delegates and shared their views on future events.

General Assembly was informed that next Plenary Conference will be held in Cameroon in 2014. The annual CPA Seminar will be held in Dar-es- salam Tanzania. In 2014 the Midyear Executive Committee Meeting will be held in Maldives and in 2015. This will held in Western Australia.

The conference was held successfully and Indian delegates participated in all the events of the conference.

Meeting of the New Executive Committee

The New Executive Committee met on Thursday 6 September, 2013. Two members of the CPA Executive Committee from CPA India Region viz. Shri Kiyanile Peseyie, Minister Government of Nagaland and Shri Mubarak Gul, Speaker, Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly (alternate to Shri P.D. Rai, M.P., Lok Sabha) attended the New Executive Committee Meeting of CPA

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