Imelda Ambondo
Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called on African parliaments to strengthen democracy, accountability and cooperation as she officially opened the 90th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Executive Committee Meeting in Swakopmund.
The meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa Region was attended by parliamentary leaders and delegates from across the continent.
“Allow me, at the onset, to extend a warm and sincere welcome on behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Namibia to you all,” she said
According to Witbooi, Namibia is privileged to host the meeting as it demonstrates the country’s commitment to inter-parliamentary cooperation and the promotion of democratic governance across Africa.
The Vice President said the CPA Africa Region brings together legislatures from across the continent to promote parliamentary democracy, good governance, human rights and cooperation among member countries.
“These are the foundation upon which our nations continue to build inclusive, resilient, and prosperous societies within the greater Commonwealth family,” she said.
Witbooi said that Africa is currently experiencing political, economic, technological and demographic changes that present both challenges and opportunities for institutions across the continent.
She said African legislatures must modernise their practices, strengthen oversight, deepen citizen involvement and strengthen democratic legitimacy.
For democracy to remain strong, she said parliaments must go beyond law-making and ensure accountability, fiscal oversight and representation of the people.
“Parliaments must move beyond lawmaking to exercise rigorous oversight, ensure fiscal accountability, articulate the aspirations of the people, and safeguard the constitutional order,” Witbooi said.
She explained that the Executive Committee of the CPA Africa Region plays a key role in guiding programmes, strengthening cooperation among member parliaments and setting regional priorities.
The decisions taken at the meeting are expected to influence issues such as fiscal oversight, institutional reform, gender inclusion, youth representation and digital transformation across African legislatures.
Witbooi said the gathering is also aligned with the goals of African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16 which focuses on peace, justice and strong institutions.
According to the Vice President, strong legislatures are essential to drive sustainable development and ensure that the voices of citizens are translated into policies that address poverty, inequality and the digital divide.
Witbooi said hosting the meeting demonstrates Namibia’s dedication to democratic governance and effective parliamentary practices.
She highlighted that since independence, Namibia has upheld constitutionalism, multiparty democracy and the separation of powers while continuing to strengthen parliamentary oversight and public engagement.
The Vice President also pointed to the country’s efforts to promote gender equality and women’s leadership, including the work of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians chapter.
She said Namibia has also made progress in “zebra-style” gender representation, which promotes equal representation of men and women in leadership and decision-making positions.
“These challenges necessitate a renewed focus on parliamentary diplomacy. The advancement of women, youth, and marginalised communities through legislative processes is essential for equitable and sustainable development,” she said.
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