Title: Dynamics of Citizen Control of the Activities of the People’s Representatives: Assessment of the Parliamentary Session of the National Assembly of the DRC
Introduction :
The Dynamics of Citizen Control of the Activities of People’s Representatives (DYCARP) recently released its report on the results of the March parliamentary session of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In this report, DYCARP provides an in-depth analysis of the legislative matters considered and adopted during this session. This article aims to explore the main conclusions of this report and to highlight the importance of citizen control in the legislative process.
A mixed result:
According to the DYCARP report, out of a total of 92 planned legislative matters, only 48 were examined and 32 adopted, an achievement of only 34.7%. Among these matters, we find draft laws affecting different areas, such as the distribution of seats for the upcoming elections and the creation of an armed national defense reserve. However, it is important to emphasize that out of 100% of the bills proposed by the government, 80% relate to protocol law texts, that is to say draft laws ratifying cooperation agreements. This observation highlights an imbalance in the choice of legislative matters, favoring these protocol texts to the detriment of the daily problems encountered by the government.
The essential role of citizen control:
This report raises the question of the role of the office of the National Assembly, which seems to attach more importance to protocol bills than to law proposals that have a direct impact on the daily life of the population. It is therefore necessary to strengthen citizen control of parliamentary activities in order to guarantee balance and consideration of the real concerns of the population. Citizen control allows citizens to express their voice and demand accountability from the people’s representatives, thus promoting better representation of society’s interests.
DYCARP Recommendations:
In this report, DYCARP urges the Congolese Parliament to use the last session of this legislature to implement reforms that will improve the living conditions of the population. MPs are also encouraged to avoid voting without debate on the texts of laws taken within the framework of the enabling law, and to favor the examination of profound reform laws and those linked to investment. In addition, DYCARP requests access to the association’s researchers to the documentation of the National Assembly in order to strengthen transparency and the evaluation of parliamentary activities..
Conclusion :
The DYCARP report on the results of the parliamentary session of the National Assembly of the DRC highlights the importance of citizen control in the legislative process. It underlines the need to guarantee balanced representation of the interests of the population and to pay greater attention to daily issues in the development of laws. Citizen control constitutes an essential lever for strengthening democracy and ensuring better consideration of the needs of society. It is essential that parliamentarians commit to meeting citizens’ expectations and working towards real and lasting progress in the DRC.