Eino Vatileni
Parliament, through its e-parliament strategy, is set to modernize its operations with soon to be launched digital tools. The move is aimed at improving transparency, citizen engagement, and parliamentary efficiency ahead of the 8th Parliament.These key initiatives which include a mobile app, online bill register system, and an information communication technology policy framework aims to create easy access and actively engage citizens in the lawmaking process.
The legislature hosted an information technology retreat workshop in Otjiwarongo, from 28-31 January 2025 aimed to finalise these key e-Parliament initiatives.
The mobile app will distribute digital information on parliament via mobile devices while the online bill register is meant to keep track of bills from the time they are first introduced to when they are enacted into law.Speaking during the workshop, National Assembly deputy secretary Oscar Muyatwa said that digital technologies have become entrenched in the workplaces and parliament was not an exception.
“The fourth industrial revolution has become an integral part of our lives. The recent launch of our e-parliament strategy necessitated our journey of digitalisation. We have to invest in ICT infrastructure and necessary tools to be able to meet the growing needs of our citizens. Some parliaments have already made great strides”, said Muyatwa.
Speaker of the National Assembly, hon. Prof. Peter Katjavivi is expected to launch the initiatives before he retires in March this year.
*Eino works in the Division of Research, Information, Publications and Editorial Services (RIPES), National Assembly.
