Wetangula hails push to recognise Commonwealth Parliamentary Association legally

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula on Wednesday welcomed the renewed vigour to legalise and recognise the operations of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), saying it is long overdue.

The association was established and registered as a UK charity in 1971 and brings together legislative bodies in countries that fall under the Commonwealth.

“The legal status of CPA has since inception been run as a British charity. There has been a reform agenda that began 20 years ago to change it from an English charity to an International organisation comparable to UN agencies that enjoy diplomatic privileges and immunities under the Vienna Convention,” said Speaker Wetang'ula.

His sentiments came at a time when the quest to legalise CPA's operations is in top gear.

Wetang’ula was speaking in Sydney, Australia during the official opening of the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.

Most African nations attending the conference are pushing for recognition of the association as an international inter-parliamentary organisation.

Speaker Wetang'ula is leading the Kenyan delegation comprising the bicameral parliament to the event.

“I am delighted that by the close of the year, the transformation will be complete. This will actualise the recommendations that were made at the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Accra Ghana in 2023,” said Wetang’ula.

On Wednesday, concerned member states hinted at legalising the Association's operations soon.

CPA Secretary-General Stephen Twigg announced that the independence of the body is in the pipeline.

“This year, 2024, is a momentous year for the CPA. After decades of debate and discussion, we are finally on a firm path to achieving a new international legal status in the United Kingdom. Government legislation was announced in the King’s Speech in July,” stated Twigg.

“When we meet in Barbados next year, we will have a new international legal status. This will align us with our colleagues in the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie."

"I am indebted to those who have worked so hard over many years to make the case for this transformative change,” the Secretary-General affirmed in his moving notes.