Vice President Mutale Nalumango says there is need to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of parliamentary proceedings.
During the first ever training workshop for presiding officers of the National Assembly held in Lusaka today, Ms Nalumango, said the workshop marks a pivotal step in the ongoing parliamentary reforms.
The Vice-President underscored that the workshop is in line with the 8th National Development Plan, which prioritizes human capital development as a cornerstone for national progress.
She stated that the training, which aims to equip presiding officers with the necessary skills to manage the National Assembly’s business more effectively, will foster a conducive governance environment crucial for Zambia’s development.
“This workshop is not just about enhancing individual capabilities but also about ensuring that our government business is conducted smoothly and efficiently on the floor of the House,” said Ms Nalumango
She also highlighted the visionary leadership of the Speaker of the National, Nelly Mutti, whose efforts continue to build on the reforms that began in the early 2000s.
Ms Nalumango reiterated the government’s commitment to the separation of powers, while also emphasizing the need for collaboration among the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
She outlined that the participants will engage in sessions covering a range of topics including the qualities and expectations of a speaker, diplomatic and protocol matters, corporate governance, and the economic and social responsibilities of a speaker.
“These sessions aim to enhance the participants’ understanding of their roles and improve the legislative framework essential for effective government operations,” she explained.
Speaking at the same event, Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti noted that given the privilege as custodians of parliamentary customs, practice and procedures, presiding officers are entrusted with the noble duty to protect the rights of parliamentarians while observing fairness and maintaining balanced opportunities for them.
“Presiding officers are also entrusted with the duty of upholding the principles of order, decorum and impartiality by ensuring that the debates remain robust yet respectful and all voices are heard regardless of political affiliation,” she said.
The Speaker explained that amidst these complex assignments, presiding officers rarely have training opportunities to develop their skills and share valuable lessons and experiences.
Ms Mutti noted that it is for this reason the National Assembly established the Institute for Parliamentary Studies and Training that will be used to provide capacity building for both parliamentarians and presiding officers.
“In the near future, we will be engaging parliaments in the SADC region so that they consider sending their respective parliamentarians and staff for training at our Institute,” she said
Meanwhile, the United Nations Acting Resident Coordinator, Tharcisse Barihuta, said the role of presiding officers is essential in enhancing parliamentary democracy.
“Democratic government is characterized by the separation of powers, which ensures that state power is shared and not concentrated in one branch,” said Dr Barihuta.
Dr Barihuta stated the UN’s continued support for Zambia’s parliamentary functions, including the Democracy Strengthening in Zambia project, which aids in enhancing the roles of women and youth in Parliament.
“As the country continues to progress on other governance indicators, it also does so in the gender equality sphere,” said Dr Barihuta.
He commended the steps being taken to improve the positioning of the Zambia Women’s Parliamentary Caucus and reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting women’s participation in leadership.
The two days training workshop is being attended by esteemed resource persons, both current and former presiding officers, from within Zambia and the region.
