Chairperson, the tenure of the PAP appears to be less effective than it could be, and it occupies a more marginal position in the policy-making process of the continent. To a certain extent this has been attributed to its lack of legislative powers and its weak decision-making role within the AU governance structure.
On the other hand, the PAP has not been entirely convincing in demonstrating its readiness to acquire legislative powers and the effect that such powers would have in facilitating a much more democratic but accountable African governance. The PAP has also not been convincing in demonstrating institutional readiness to have legislative powers. Thus it would rather be ideal to first build its institutional capacity and strengthen its current roles.
However, if there is an insistence on having the PAP transformed into a legislative organ, there are existing regional legislative bodies on the continent, and the East African Legislative Assembly seems to stand out as having significant legislative powers.
Lastly, if the PAP's institutional capacity is to be beefed up to meet the powers envisaged, then its lack of financial independence, among other things, needs to be rectified.