The Zambian Economist just posted an article about the role of a Member of Parliament citing that amongst other things, It is not the role of an MP to bring economic development, since in a well functioning society such functions would be performed by an effective local government with appropriate support from central government. The primary role of an MP is to vote on legislation and make laws on behalf of their constituency (the legislative function). This is why we need opposition MPs... MPs also have an additional function of representing the views of their constituency to Parliament e.g. special problems they are facing which the executive branch has failed to address (advocacy function). The MPs role is simply to ensure that the local preferences are fully reflected in national decisions. Once the MP brings the problem to the attention of the Executive, it is expected that they would follow through where they can. The Zambian Economist must not misinform his following. IT IS A Member of Parliaments role to bring economic development to his constituency. According to the National Assembly of Zambias Abstract series on The Role of a Member of Parliament and Vacation of Office on Defection, a Member of Parliament has multifarious responsibilities to: 1. The Party they represent. 2. The Constituency they represent. 3. Parliament. in that order. The abstract series states that a Member of Parliaments responsibilities include: 1. Party Responsibilities In a multi-party parliamentary democracy, individuals become members of political parties because they believe that their party policies are broadly correct though they may disagree in a few areas. Candidates are voted to Parliament with the endorsement of their parties. Consequently, a Member of Parliament has the responsibility to articulate his/her party’s policies both in the constituency and in the House. 2. Constituency Responsibilities As an elected representative of a constituency in Parliament, a Member of Parliament maintains close contact with the area he or she represents. As a link between the people and the Government, a Member of Parliament has the responsibility to: a) participate in and assist the local councils in planning developmental projects in the district which can be funded by the council itself, or by helping in soliciting funds from the Government for intended developmental projects, or influence Non-Governmental Organisations and donor agencies to fund such projects, and help in explaining Government policy to councilors; b) study the needs and anxieties of his constituents, irrespective of their political affiliation, so that they too can be included in development programmes. He/she, therefore, needs to know his/her constituency geographically and also have the ability to articulate the needs and problems of his/her constituents effectively in Parliament; c) be a link, by virtue of being a Member, between the constituents and the Legislature. As a result, his/her duty is to present and interpret Government’s policies, decisions and views to the people in the most simplified manner possible. He/she also has to keep his constituents well and fully informed of the general political policies and his/her own endeavours; and d) encourage and lead his/her constituents in the social and economic development of their localities. This demands regular meetings, resource mobilisation for development and other contacts throughout the constituency. 3. Parliamentary Responsibilies The responsibilities of a Member of Parliament in the House are complex and varied. In as much as a Member owes his/her allegiance to his constituency, he/she owes it also to Parliament, once he/she is sworn in as a Member. Parliament occupies a special place in Zambia because it is the safeguard of liberty, independence, prosperity and democracy. It is in this institution that the Zambian people, through their Members of Parliament, air their grievances and differences, and where a consensus of action is arrived at for uplifting the standard of living of the Zambian people. Thus, the main functions of a Member of Parliament in the House can best be summed up as follows:- a) to make laws: he/she either presents Bills himself/herself known as “Private Member’s Bills” or contributes to Bills presented by the Government; b) to vote money for public expenditure and approve taxation measures; and c) to oversee Government activities and subject them to detailed scrutiny, through such mechanisms as questions to Ministers, Motions and participation in parliamentary Committees and debates. This is simple and straight forward. Clause 2. b and 2. d suggest that Hon Miles. Sampa as well as any other Members of Parliament that have funded development projects are well within their right to do so since they are supposed to mobilize resources for development in their constituency. Members of Parliament must continue to think of ways to mobilize resources beyond their Constituency Development Funds. Additionally, The Zambian Economists position that Local government should be in charge of economic development failed to take into account that area MPs are part of the Council of a District since the Council comprises (a) the members of Parliament in the district; (b) two representatives of the Chiefs, appointed by all the Chiefs in the district; and (c) all the elected councillors in the district. therefore the functions of the council are functions that must be pushed for by area MPs as well by virtue of them being members of the council. I love ZEs posts and his analyses but I believe that points must be put across without misinforming the general public. I agree with him however that area MPs do not have to be in the ruling party to deliver development to their constituencies and I am strongly against the defections on the basis of party lines. Information on the roles of MPs and Local Governments is readily available on parliament.gov.zm. #Godinthedriversseat #PurposefulDecade
Posted on: Fri, 01 Aug 2014 14:20:30 +0000
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