THERE are several times when laws are made but they are not effectively implemented or better still, monitored, to see if they have been effectively implemented but that won’t be the case anymore.
Zambian parliamentarians in collaboration with the Centre for Innovating Development (CIDE) and the Scottish National Party Westminster Foundation for Democracy (SNPWFD) decided to form the the first ever Zambian Parliamentary Caucus on Post Legislative Scrutiny (ZPC-PLS).
The Caucus is aimed at ensuring implementation and effectiveness of the laws passed in the National Assembly.
Historically, elected representatives often lacked information on the effectiveness of laws after their enactment. The ZPC-PLS seeks to enhance parliamentary oversight, ensuring that legislation is evaluated and refined based on its outcomes.
Officiating at the launch in Lusaka today, First Deputy Speaker, Attractor Chisangano noted that the caucus marks a significant step forward in the efforts to strengthen legislative processes which will improve the effectiveness of laws that guide and protect society.
Chisangano nodded at the parliamentarians and other stakeholders for having put up such an initiative.
“This will ensure that the laws passed by this parliament are effectively implemented and attain their intended objective to best serve the interest of the people. We focus on enactment only but very few times do we go back to look at the impact of the legislation we pass,” she said.
“This gives an indication to our democratic output and also evaluates our technical ability to respond to people’s needs through legislation and other policies. This is an important activity in our Democratic dispensation.”
Chisangano added that through this process, parliament will strengthen its relationship with the executive branch and civil society to review the law as necessary and will promote culture of cooperation and shared responsibility of our country,
According to the Caucus’s Chairperson, Imanga Wamunyima the newly launched platform, provides an avenue for citizens to take part in the affairs of the nation.
This will ensure that the laws enacted, serve the intended purpose.
“This platform will enable MPs to address numerous issues in the country, to ensure the laws are completed or if they are being observed. The implemation of legislation is complex and does not happen automatically.
This why this caucus was formed and recently we passed the Child Code Bill, which is now the Child Code Act of 2022. And already from that act stakeholders have raised concerns on the conviction of children which the legislation that was passed seemed to have barred.”
“This is one of the clear reasons why it is not just about passing laws, it is about also ensuring that the laws are delivering what the law makers envisage they should deliver. Madam speaker, this caucus will help execute its mandate,” said Wamunyima.
He further extended an olive branch to fellow MPs to take interest in the activities of the caucus and learn so that they can be effective with their mandate.
Established in March, 2024, Wamunyima shared some of the activities that have taken place since the establishment of the caucus.
“Recently, we conducted a Post-Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) of the Food Reserve Act (FRA) of 2020, with the objective of assessing its effectiveness.The study focused on key provisions of the Act, particularly those related to the management of the Food Reserve.
“Our evaluation sought to determine whether the legislation has successfully met its intended objectives. Based on our findings and consultations with key stakeholders, we have developed recommendations to enhance the Act’s implementation,” he shared.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, September 19, 2024
