A team of five (5) officials from Parliament Office are currently in Marovo Constituency conducting a weeklong outreach program to schools and communities around Marovo. The program commenced on 5th Oct and will finish on 15th Oct.
The fourth of Parliaments strategic objectives is to engage citizens in the work of Parliament.
One of the ways in which Parliament engage with citizens is through the Constituency Tour Programs.
The aim of the awareness program is to help citizens to learn, recognize and appreciate the parliamentary democratic processes and importance of being a partner of our Parliament.
This program ensures that constituents appreciate the role of their Member of Parliament as their parliamentary representative. But more importantly know how to engage with their elected representatives when they have issues of concern in their communities.
Citizens can only do that when they understand the institution of Parliament itself and the processes in place where they can use to bring matters to the floor of Parliament.
The objectives of the awareness is to help citizens;
- Learn about the democratic system of Solomon Islands. The three arms of the state or the separation of powers.
- Have opportunity to discuss their ideas about the democratic system and trend of political leadership in SI.
- Understand the law making process, from a bill to an act of Parliament.
- Explore the fundamental values, ideologies and theories of traditional and modern leadership.
- Learn the basic and simple approaches in supporting their MP in carrying out his/her role as national leader of this country. Especially through the Parliament Committee system
- Exchange ideas and knowledge on understanding of the importance of Speaker of Parliament and his role in Parliament. And other supporting services within Parliament.
- Learn about the relationship of the electoral system of Solomon Islands and National Parliament.
The team started the program in Viru and have travelled around the constituency concluding the tour in Seghe.
The program is an eye opener for all of the schools and communities around Marovo as has been alluded by Chiefs and elders.
Alex Seama the Chief Parliament Education Officer and team leader said that through the program people now understand and appreciate the role of their MPs.
Speaking to the team Mr. James Kamasi of Patutiva Village said, “Now we know what is the function of Parliament and the roles that our MP play.”
Mr. Kamasi said that its the first time in history for Parliament office to reach down to the people.
The Clerk to Parliament Mr. Jefferson Hallu said that it’s always a challenge to correct misconceptions on the roles and functions of Parliament and its members.
Generally people think that MPs are funding agencies without realizing that they have a much bigger more important role as legislators or law makers which is spelt out in the Constitution.
With a clearer awareness we hope that citizens will utilize the knowledge and information to bring various different development issues to Parliament through their MPs.
He further expressed his appreciation to the MP for Marovo , Hon. Chachabule Amoi for the support in seeing the importance of this awareness and ensures program is delivered to his constituents.
This program is made possible through the support of PPEI (Pacific Parliamentary Effectiveness Initiative) Project funded by NZ Government.
- National Parliament Media
