The Dynamics of Citizen Control of the Activities of People’s Representatives (DYCARP) made public, this Friday, September 22, its report on the results of the March parliamentary session of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This session, which took place from March 15 to June 15, was characterized by important political issues and a worrying security situation in the east of the country.
The DYCARP report highlights the low rate of completion of this parliamentary session. Out of a total of 92 planned legislative matters, only 48 were examined, an achievement of only 34.7%. Of the subjects examined, 32 were adopted.
Among the bills examined and adopted, we find important texts such as that relating to the distribution of seats for the elections scheduled for next December, as well as the bill relating to the armed reserve of national defense. However, the report emphasizes that the majority of government bills are protocol law texts, that is to say bills ratifying cooperation agreements. Ordinary texts, which are often proposed by parliamentarians to respond to the problems encountered by the government in the implementation of its action, are less favored.
This situation raises questions about the priority given to protocol bills by the office of the National Assembly, to the detriment of proposed laws that directly affect the daily life of the population. DYCARP therefore suggests that Parliament take advantage of the last session of this legislature to propose reforms likely to improve the living conditions of the population.
DYCARP also encourages deputies to avoid voting on legislative texts in a global manner and without debate, and to favor the examination of profound reform laws and those relating to investment. She also wishes to have access to National Assembly documentation to conduct her own research.
In conclusion, this DYCARP report highlights the shortcomings of the March parliamentary session of the National Assembly of the DRC. It calls for better management of legislative priorities and greater attention to bills that have a direct impact on the daily lives of citizens. DYCARP hopes that deputies will take advantage of the last session to propose significant reforms and improve the living conditions of the Congolese population.