The Seychelles delegation.Members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association who met in Arusha Tanzania from 28th September to 06th October agreed that member countries should put in place strong democratic institutions which can deliver to their people's expectations.
Over 800 parliamentarians gathered to discuss among other issues the threat posed by the emerging trend of coalition governments to parliamentary democracy, the policy responses to global financial crisis, combating terrorism, shaping the information society and engaging youth in representative democracy.
Organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) the conference was aimed at discussing the organization’s abilities in meeting future global challenges.
Seychelles was represented at the 55th CPA general Assembly by a delegation of 3 members, including the Deputy Speaker, Wilby Lucas, myself as an SNP member and the Clerk, Ms Veronique Bresson.
The workshops we attended were of pertinent issues interest to Seychelles particularly climate change and machinery of government in small states, where it was reiterated that government could benefit more if the chair of the Assembly’s finance committee is occupied by the Opposition.
I was particularly pleased to participate in the small branches conference, which regrouped member states with population of not more than 500,000 people. I hope that the recommendations arising from our two days discussion will bring about the desired changes the people living in all those vulnerable small states are hoping for.

The CPA annual conference is the biggest gathering of political leaders and it brings together more than 800 parliamentarians and senior parliamentary officials from about 175 national, state, provincial and territorial Parliaments and legislatures.
Kenya will host the 56th conference in 2009