The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) was set up to ensure the full participation of African peoples in the economic development and integration of the continent.
The PAP is intended as a platform for people from all African states to be involved in discussions and decision making on the problems and challenges facing the continent. The Parliament sits in Midrand, South Africa.
Rather than being elected directly by the people, PAP members are designated by the legislatures of their Member State and members of their domestic legislatures. The ultimate aim is for the Parliament to be an institution with full legislative powers, whose members are elected by universal suffrage. Until such time, the PAP has consultative, advisory and budgetary oversight powers within the AU
Functions of the PAP
The objectives and functions of the Parliament are set out in the Protocol to the Abuja Treaty relating to the Pan-African Parliament and in its Rules of Procedure
- Facilitating and overseeing implementation of AU policies, objectives and programmes
- Promoting human rights and consolidating democratic institutions and culture, good governance transparency and the rule of law by all AU organs, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Member States
- Participating in creating awareness among the peoples of Africa on the: AU’s objectives, policy aims and programmes; strengthening of continental solidarity, cooperation and development; promotion of peace, security and stability; and pursuit of a common economic recovery strategy
- Contributing to the harmonisation and coordination of Member States’ legislation
- Promoting the coordination of the RECs’ policies, measures, programmes and activities
- Preparing and adopting its budget and Rules of Procedure
- Electing its Bureau members
- Making recommendations on the AU budget
