Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Loic Ntoutoume
Published on 2024-03-03 18:59:30
At the solemn opening of the first parliamentary session of the 2024 term, the President of the Transition Senate, Paulette Missambo, made a passionate appeal to her colleagues to redefine the role of the Senate during this era of institutional reforms. Beyond simply voting on laws, she urges active participation in the evolution of political practice, emphasizing democratic values and principles of good governance.
In a speech marked by firmness and vision, Paulette Missambo, on March 1, 2024, before members of the government and presidents of Transition institutions, charted a path towards a Senate that is more engaged and representative of the democratic aspirations of the Gabonese people. “We should no longer be content with just voting on laws,” she declared, emphasizing the need for a profound change in the way parliamentarians exercise their mandate.
At the heart of this transformation, the President of the Senate highlighted several fundamental principles: equality before the rules, transparency in information dissemination, respect for popular sovereignty, and the pursuit of just and equitable solutions. These values, she stressed, should guide every political and citizen action undertaken by Senate members.
The Senate President also urged her colleagues to seize the opportunity offered by the Transition to strengthen the country’s democratic achievements. Calling for exemplary behavior and wisdom in all parliamentary actions, Paulette Missambo highlighted the crucial role of the Senate as a chamber composed of experienced members, calling for a wise approach in the examination of laws and decision-making.
“The Senate, being the Chamber of Parliament composed of men and women steeped in experience, the Gabonese people must be able to perceive the dimension of wisdom in all its actions. Wisdom in the examination of laws, in the approach to problems brought to its attention, and wisdom in the decisions to be made,” exhorted the President of the upper house of Parliament.
Dialogue and trust were identified as essential elements to consolidate social fabric and promote living together. Missambo emphasized the need to restore trust between the rulers and the ruled, and the importance of convincing as many people as possible of the need to support the Transition. “Listening and dialogue are prerequisites for strengthening social cohesion. Restoring trust between rulers and the ruled, convincing as many people as possible of the need to support the Transition are undoubtedly the most exhilarating tasks of the moment,” she prescribed.
Through her solemn speech, the former head of the National Union outlined an ambitious roadmap for the Senate, highlighting its crucial role in the consolidation of democracy and the construction of a more just and equitable society for all Gabonese people. Her call for a radical transformation of the Senate reflects her desire to place democratic values at the heart of parliamentary action.
Read the original article(French) on Gabon Review
