The third question is: Have members ever heard of governments being subjected to legislation that was passed at the AU level? The PAP can no longer be viewed as being ceremonial in nature, to be used by the African political elite who come together only to discuss issues, but with no immediate impact and without the ability to influence outcomes.
The PAP should be a legislative arm of the AU and obtaining legislative powers should be viewed in this context. From a strategic perspective, obtaining legislative powers will be seen as an indicator of institutional influence and will add to its political legitimacy in the AU.
Lastly, before we can grant the PAP full legislative functions and powers, we need to resolve some of the following issues: determining its institutional relations with the AU; improving its relationship with the national parliament; and building the participation capacity of civil society to be able to participate effectively in the PAP structures.
We need a gradual approach to give full legislative powers to the PAP. We need to be pragmatic about what this would mean to the AU organs, the types of resources required and the level of political acceptance among the varied regional economic communities. [Applause.]