Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 644990,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/644990/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 13,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Members, this is conveyance of a Petition to the National Assembly on proposed amendments to the Standing Orders to provide for enhanced public participation in the legislative process and parliamentary business. This is Petition No. 7 of 2016. In accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No. 225(2)(b), I wish to convey to the House that my office is in receipt of a Petition signed by a group of 15 individuals referring to themselves as the “Devolution Forum”. The said group is praying that the National Assembly effects appropriate amendments to the Standing Orders to enhance public participation as contemplated in Article 118 of the Constitution with regard to public access to Parliament and public participation. Hon. Members, Standing Order No. 127(3) provides for consideration of public views and recommendations on Bills while Standing Order No. 198 provides for public access to meetings of Select Committees. Nevertheless, the Petitioners aver that Parliament has failed to:- (i) Provide adequate opportunities for meaningful public participation in the House business; (ii) Adequately educate the public on issues before the House; and, (iii) Provide sufficient time for the public to deliberate, consult and offer feedback on matters before the House. The Petitioners pray that the National Assembly, through the Procedure and House Rules Committee, amend the Standing Orders to:- (i) Provide for a period of, at least, two months for public involvement in legislative and other businesses of the House; (ii) Provide for public awareness on matters before the House; and, The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}