By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
In order to strengthen the political affairs, peace, justice system, human Rights, Gender and Women Empowerment in the sub-region, the ECOWAS Members of Parliament (MPs) have called for political inclusivity in all ECOWAS Member States.
The ECOWAS MPs made this call during the opening session of a Delocalized meeting of the joint Committee held in Monrovia, Liberia on the 25th July, 2023.
The theme for the meeting titled; “Enhancing Political inclusivity in the Participatory Governance process: A mechanism for promoting peace and security.’’
In her opening statement, Vice President (VP) of the Republic of Liberia, Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor noted that the theme focuses on political inclusivity in a participatory governance process, the mechanism for promoting peace and security in the sub-region.
She explained that inclusiveness in a governance process means a process which effectively serves and engages regardless of one’s gender, socio-economic status or religion which she said can only exist when the institutions, policies, processes and services are accessible, affordable and the governance process is accountable and transparent.
In her opinion, she said inclusivity means creating opportunities so that both genders are equitably represented in order to shape the discussions, resolutions and determine the benefit and the impact that these decisions have on everyone.
VP Taylor went on to note that government and institutions should be more accountable and transparent to build a stronger and more inclusive social contract between government and its people for greater access to opportunities for all. She affirmed that participatory governance is based on the simple premise that an individual or citizens should have a voice in every decision making process in the governance system.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Retired Member of Parliament Dr. Bhofal Chambers said that the meeting is to enhance mutual and beneficiary relationships across Western African countries. He added that the essence of ECOWAS must always be manifested as he said it is the nucleus of Africa’s success. He urged members to ensure that they prioritized addressing issues that affect member states.
In his address, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis said the theme is part of activities designed by the ECOWAS Parliament to continually demonstrate its openness to the citizens of the region. He also said that it also provides an opportunity to share experiences and collaborate with national institutions in the pursuit of the integration objectives of ECOWAS.
‘’Thanks to the ECOWAS Region and the International community for their support towards the just concluded Presidential and Legislative Elections in Sierra Leone. I can assure you of the firm will of the Sierra Leonean authorities to work for the continued promotion of democracy and of my country’s readiness to contribute to the consolidation of the excellent relations of brotherhood and cooperation that exist between our states,’’ he said.
He pointed out that Political inclusivity also involves the effective mobilization of all the institutions of a country and national political structures with a view to encouraging their involvement in the management of state affairs, as well as in the formation of opinion and the free expression of suffrage. He said the sacrosanct principle of the separation of powers needs to be put into practice through the genuine independence of institutions.
The ECOWAS Parliament Speaker went on to say that it is therefore their duty as Parliamentarians to ensure that democratic institutions, both national and regional are strengthened.
Cultural performance and deliberations around the theme climaxed the occasion.
The conference which started yesterday will end on Saturday this week.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (26/07/23)
