Mr Speaker, the Pan-African Parliament, the PAP, is an organ of the African Union which was formed in 2005 to promote democracy and conflict resolution on the continent. The new MPs met for the first time under the leadership of the new President, Idriss Dby, of Chad, on 22 October 2009 in Midrand. The first ordinary session focused on the review of the protocol that established the PAP in a bid to give the parliament a full legislative role.
Speaking at the opening of the PAP's first ordinary session on Monday, 26 October 2009, President Zuma reminded the delegates that parts of the African continent were still plagued by war and conflict, political instability, and the removal of governments by unconstitutional means. However, President Zuma acknowledged an important role that the parliament had played in contributing towards free, fair and transparent elections in a number of countries. Therefore, President Zuma has called upon the PAP to move with speed in ensuring that its deliberations strengthen the promotion of peace, development, democracy and economic growth.
The ANC is also encouraged by the fact that the PAP will soon be able to transform itself from an advisory body into a legislative body. I thank you. [Applause.]