Zambia: A case study on parliamentary reforms in the Commonwealth

Abstract

With the re-introduction of Multi-partism in 1991, the National Assembly found it prudent to realign the functions of parliament with the demands of plural politics. Admittedly, the seventeen years of one party rule created some institutional limitations, which could only be addressed through the introduction of parliamentary reforms. The legacy of party supremacy in a one party participatory democracy flies into the teeth of the now entrenched doctrine of separation of powers in a multiparty democracy. The bringing on board of parliamentary reforms in this regard apparently enhances parliamentary scrutiny of the activities of the Executive and further enables the participation of citizens in the affairs of the country. This would undoubtedly bring about accountability, transparency and good governance in the Government system.