Home | Letters | JOB DESCRIPTION FOR MPS

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR MPS

Font size: Decrease font Enlarge font

Sir,

Along my brief journey into the world of politics during bi-elections in our constituency I was informed by members of the Elections and Boundaries Commission that a job description for Members of Parliament did not exist, which seemed rather strange considering the great responsibilities involved when one assumes the position.

Also, without a job description, how may we, the electorate, evaluate the performance of our honorable representatives? I humbly propose the following draft for consideration.
MP’s job description


Job purpose


Represent and promote the interests of all the constituents within the constituency while at all times representing, defending and promoting national interests.
Nature, scope
An MP’s work may be seen under two broad headings: Participation in parliamentary activities to assist in the passing of legislation and hold the Executive to account and work for the constituency. Both are of equal importance.
 Parliamentary work


1. Attend Parliament and contribute meaningfully so that the business of parliamentary democracy may proceed.
2. Monitor, stimulate, advise and challenge the Executive in order to influence and where possible or necessary change government action in ways which are considered desirable in the interests of the nation at large.
3. Initiate, amend and review legislation to help maintain a continually relevant and appropriate body of law.


4. Contribute to the formulation of a national policy to ensure that it reflects the views and aspirations of the electorate.
5. Serve on various parliamentary committees.
6. Become familiar with the working of other Parliaments within the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association through research and dialogue, to broaden parliamentary knowledge and build a range of international contacts which may prove beneficial in many areas.


Constituency Work
In general, MPs must maintain contact with a wide range of local bodies, both official and voluntary, to feel the pulse of issues affecting the constituency overall. This involves such activities as keeping in touch with the local authorities, giving talks to local societies and schools, visiting factories and businesses and participating in civic events. Through this work, members can identify how national policies or issues impact on their own constituencies so they can contribute to debate on them.


They must establish and maintain key databases and contacts throughout the constituency and constituency characteristics.
They must facilitate appropriate assistance to individual constituents, through using knowledge of local and national government agencies and institutions, to progress and help resolve their problems.
They must attempt to expand the range of services provided at inkhundla level, thereby reducing the need for constituents to travel long distances to access such services.
They must ensure that Tinkhundla buildings and grounds are well maintained at all times and encourage community involvement in such efforts.


They must promote public understanding of national policies in constituencies to facilitate the achievement of national objectives.
They must produce a five-year constituency multi-sectoral development plan, including indicative budgets, in close collaboration with government ministries and key stakeholders.
They must be proactive in fund mobilisation at local, national and international level to assist with constituency projects and general development.


They must chair weekly consultative meetings at constituencies with indvuna yenkhundla and Bucopho. Agree on monthly action plans and encourage accurate monthly reporting against action plans.
They must provide regular feedback to constituents on all matters, and take note of suggestions and concerns through regular meetings at the various imiphaktsi and other venues.

John Weatherson

Comments (0 posted):

Post your comment comment

Please enter the code you see in the image: