Online Reporter
Moses Magadza in JOHANNESBURG, South Africa
A CALL has been made for parliamentarians to strategically leverage their oversight to demand transparency and ensure that governments address the interconnected challenges of climate change, health and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
The call was made by SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) programme manager for climate change, environment, health and SRHR Mr Munashe Tofa at a workshop here on strengthening evidence-based policymaking.
“Parliament embodies the sovereign will of the people. Its power to call the government to explain and justify its actions is the foundation of democratic accountability,” Mr Tofa told participants, who included researchers under the Sweden-funded SRHR HIV and
AIDS Governance Project and directors from national parliaments.
He outlined four key mechanisms at the disposal of parliamentarians.
Parliamentary questions, he said, can be used to extract specific information, highlight inefficiencies or challenge policy decisions.
“Questions, whether with or without notice, force ministers onto the public record, highlight gaps and inform debate,” he said.
On the potential of “committee scrutiny”, he said it allows for a deeper, investigative approach, especially where committees interrogate government departments, policies and spending.
He said such inquiries “produce influential reports and can compel ministers and officials to testify”.
He reminded MPs that lawmaking is also oversight.
By amending or rejecting weak proposals, parliaments “shape policy, protect minority rights and can force governments to make concessions”.
On control over the budget, Mr Tofa said the ultimate lever is financial oversight.
“Parliament must approve all public expenditure. This prevents executive overreach and ensures funds are used as intended,” he said.
The ability of parliament to demand information, he added, is important.
“Without transparency, accountability is impossible,” he said.
Mr Tofa said the “four A’s of service delivery” — availability, accessibility, affordability and appropriateness — could be used as a checklist to expose gaps in health and SRHR service provision, particularly in the face of climate-related shocks.
MPs were also reminded of the unique responsibility.
“Your role is to use these tools strategically to compel the government into the open. A powerful question, anchored in evidence and framed through the four A’s, is your primary tool for surgical oversight,” he said.
