The term ‘Parliament' is usually confined to parliamentary systems where the executive is dependent on the legislature. The Parliament of a country is considered to be the bedrock of democracy structured to lift peoples’ hopes and instill confidence in them about the rule of law. A Parliament has the daunting task of facing challenges and address them with equanimity. The ‘International Day of Parliamentarism' is being observed for the first time today (June 30) to achieve the above mentioned objectives.
Preventing violation of rights, ensuring gender equality and an inclusive agenda are some matters that the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) is in charge of. In a bicameral Parliament, tiff between the Government and the Opposition is a common occurrence. Fair trial of parliamentarians and just adjudication are the primary concerns of the IPU. The release of former Malaysian deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was a result of a pro-active IPU.
In as much as the world wants its Parliaments to discharge duties without fear or favour, the onus is on the parliamentarians to uphold the sanctity of the exalted institution. Unstable Governments, polarised votes, sectarian-based choices are the pitfalls of a parliamentary democracy. That said, parliamentary system is here to stay due to its transparency and accountability.