Daunting challenges ahead of Parliament

Parliament resumes this September amidst serious threats posed by Covid-19. Being a critical arm of government, Parliament must sit even during difficult periods like this one to deliberate on important matters. Cognisant of this, the National Assembly made an amendment to the Standing Orders to reflect the new situation to allow for holding of physical, virtual and hybrid proceedings. But this development has had its bespoke challenges. There are MPs who are not technology-savvy and who have to rely on others for assistance to access virtual proceedings.

Voting on major critical issues, including passage of Bills and policy papers, the election of leaders within the House and approval of budgets, is a key issue that reflects and actualises the sovereignty of the people. It is therefore important to ensure that voting goes on even as we use virtual electronic platforms. More fundamental is the integrity of the platforms; whether such voting would indeed be that of an MP and not another person assisting them.