Extraordinary Session Of The Sixth Parliament, Pan-African Parliament Opens In South Africa
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Swearing-in of approximately 45 new members of Parliament, deployed to serve in the Continental Legislature, marked the commencement of the Extraordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament, PAP, at the Parliament’s Headquarters in Midrand, South Africa.
It was also a prelude to the bye-elections for the three vacant positions in the PAP Bureau, scheduled for the 25 March 2024.
In her keynote address to the Plenary, Acting President of the PAP, Honourable Lucia Dos Passos, who preached unity as always, urged members to use the moment to rejuvenate the PAP’s operations, to ensure they serve the diverse interests African citizens effectively.
Honourable Dos Passos, urged members to learn from the experiences of the past and put aside their differences and unite for the greater good of the institution and the continent.
The Acting President, reminded members of the Parliament, of the enormous significance of the 6th session, as it coincides with the 20th Anniversary of the Pan-African Parliament, urging them to reflect on the last two decades, and keep in mind the objectives of the founding fathers and their belief that “One Africa, One Voice” is possible,”
Hon. Dos Passos told African Parliamentarians to embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism, face the future head-on, and reaffirm that they can, they want to, and will turn challenges into opportunities to give hope back to Africans and the immense diaspora.
The Extraordinary Session of the PAP which is in line with the deliberations of the 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, held in Addis Ababa, from 14 to 15 February 2024, directed the Office of Legal Counsel to devise guidelines for the election process.
In line with the guidelines and the principle of rotation that has been in effect since June 2022, these vacancies, are to be filled by President, Southern Caucus, First Vice President, Northern Caucus, and Fourth Vice President, Central Caucus, respectively.