Summary
The Panel deliberations assessed the extent to which Parliament is evolving to meet the expectations outlined in the Constitution, and also to assess the experience and role of Parliament in promoting and entrenching democracy. The Panel grappled with questions such as: Is Parliament truly expressing its vision of being a “people’s Parliament”, and what does this concept mean in practice? Though Members of Parliament are elected representatives of the public, to what extent are they effectively fulfilling the role of representing the concerns of the public? Is Parliament promoting and entrenching key democratic principles such as accountability, responsiveness and openness, both within other organs of state and within the institution itself? In posing these questions the Panel sought to avoid speaking in general terms of the role Parliaments play in governance structures and rather focused the discussion on the particular case of South Africa with its unique historical and socio-economic context.
This report reveals that significant challenges remain for Parliament to realise its vision of becoming a people’s Parliament. This relates specifically to the link between the electorate and Parliament. Surveys show that there is generally a very poor understanding among the public of Parliamentary procedures and opportunities for participation in Parliamentary processes. While South Africa does not have a constituency-based electoral system, constituency offices have been established and periods allocated for Members of Parliament to conduct constituency work. This report reveals, however, that there are notable challenges with this system.
Parliament of the Republic of South Africa
Report of the Independent Panel Assessment of Parliament
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