Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, (CPA) previously known as the Empire Parliamentary Association, is an organisation, of British origin, which works to support good governance, democracy and human rights.
As of 1989, the organisation acknowledges a Patron - the Head of the Commonwealth; Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II - and a Vice Patron, the head of state or of the government of the branch holding the upcoming conference. The association's supreme authority is the General Assembly, constituted by delegates to the annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference. The business and activities are managed by an Executive Committee, which reports to the General Assembly. The association's funds are obtained from membership fees paid by its branches, as well as from two trust funds and various other sources.
History
It was founded as the Empire Parliamentary Association in 1911, with its first branches being Australia, Canada, Newfoundland, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom, the latter branch administering the association as a whole. In 1948 the association changed its name to the current Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, and allowed all branches part in administration of the organisation. The branches are grouped into nine Commonwealth regions - Africa; Asia; Australia; British Islands and Mediterranean; Canada; Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic; India; Pacific, and South-East Asia.
Officers
The current Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee is the Rt Hon. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker of Jatiyo Sangshad Bangladesh.
The current Vice-Chairperson is Hon. Ronald Kiandee MP from Malaysia.
The current Treasurer is Hon. Marwick Khumalo, MP from Swaziland.
The current Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians is Rt Hon. Rebecca A. Kadaga, MP from Uganda.
The current Secretary-General is Dr. William F. Shija from Tanzania.
Members
See also
- American Institute of Parliamentarians - similar association for United States.
- CPA UK
References
- ↑ "House Committee (Minutes) 29 Mar 96". Legco.gov.hk. Retrieved 2011-10-04.
- ↑ "Home Page of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Scotland Branch". Scottish Parliament. Retrieved 19 January 2011.