Opposition voice in parliament

In a democratic dispensation, where the parliament is the centerpiece of all legislative activity, participation of the opposition in parliamentary debates not only gives life to the parliament, it also adds to the very notion of checks and balance and ensures transparency of the government, that is so vital in a democracy.

Since its inception the current parliament has gone without the participation of the main opposition party except for some brief interludes here and there. The reason that one often hears the Opposition offer for their abstention is the lack of opportunity to say their bit in the House, without which they feel, the very purpose of attending Parliament is defeated. While we do not believe that the main opposition should abdicate the duty that the people have elected them to do, under any circumstances, the allegation that they are not given enough opportunity to speak in the House does have some merit.

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The Speaker plays the most vital role in drawing in the opposition MPs who think it fit to remain out of it, by allowing them adequate time to speak. And the Rules of Procedures of the House allow ample opportunity to the members to ventilate their views.

While the Speaker, with the Business Advisory Committee, is the sole judge of what is to be accepted for discussion under various provision of the Rules, we feel that the adjournment motions by the opposition MPs should have been allowed, given the nature of the issues that were to be addressed.

The Speaker could have been more flexible in considering the notices.