Reflections on the Role of the Pan-African Parliament in Advancing Democratic Governance in Africa

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter reflects on the role of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) as the pivotal institution established by the African Union (AU) with the mandate of advancing democratic governance in Africa. It deconstructs the general perception that the powers and functions of the PAP are limited to advisory and consultative roles only and as such lacks the legitimacy, incentive and institutional capacity to carry out its mandate effectively. Against the above background, the legislative status, the rationale for its limited mandate and the vision of the AU in establishing the PAP are interrogated. It further explains the various strategies that the PAP creatively adopted over the years to advance democratic governance in Africa, notably by engaging in fact-finding missions, election observation missions, conferences, model law making and other activities within its limited mandate. This chapter concludes that though the PAP has been effective in undertaking its oversight, advisory and consultative role, enhanced legislative powers will further strengthen its capacity to perform better.KeywordsDemocracyGovernancePan-African ParliamentAfrican UnionAfrica