The role of parliament in APRM: information on how parliamentarians can participate in APRM 2011

Abstract

The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) is an instrument voluntarily acceded to by member States of the African Union as an African self–monitoring mechanism. Participation in the process is open to all member States of the African Union. When joining APRM, African countries are at different levels of development; it is with this in mind that each country is assessed (Peer Review) and a country Programme of Action is developed to ensure progress towards achieving agreed standards and goals. Parliamentary involvement in APRM has been a weak aspect to date. Yet, it is Parliamentarians who are needed to participate in the process. Parliaments are critical in ensuring the success of APRM. They can influence government decisions and policies. Parliamentarians at the national, regional and continental levels owe their countries and African people the responsibility of exercising their role to facilitate public ownership of APRM. By participating in APRM process, Parliamentarians have the opportunity to improve governance and create a culture of accountability, ethics, inclusiveness, participation and transparency in public political life in Africa.