Preparations Intensify for Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference slated for October 2014 in Yaounde.

Preparations are accelerating in Cameroon's National Assembly ahead of the 60th International conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, CPA, to take place in Yaounde from October 2 to 10, 2014.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, which was formed in 1911, is an association of Commonwealth parliamentarians who, irrespective of race, religion or culture, are united by community of interest, respect for the rule of law and human rights and freedoms, and the pursuit of the positive ideals of parliamentary democracy. The purpose of the CPA is the promotion of knowledge and education about the constitutional, legislative, economic, social and cultural systems within a parliamentary democratic framework with particular reference to the countries of the Commonwealth of Nations and to other countries having close historical and parliamentary associations with it.

This is the caliber of association whose 60th international conference Cameroon is bracing up to host. In order to ensure the successful holding of the event that will bring together over 600 delegates, the President of the National Assembly, Hon Cavaye Yeguie Djibril put in place an organizing committee whose General Coordinator is Vice President of the House, Hon. Monjowa Lifaka Emilia. She chaired the second committee meeting yesterday, April 2, 2014 during which heads of the over 13 sub-committees presented reports on their level of preparations. An enlarged coordination meeting will take place today in which representatives of other government services involved in the organization will participate.

Hon. Monjowa Lifaka called on members of the various sub-committees to work hard, stay within the limits of their terms of reference and present draft budgets that reflect the magnitude of the conference and above all realistic. Besides providing an exchange forum between Cameroonian parliamentarians and those of other 51 Commonwealth member countries, it will help boost the country's image, tourism and economy.