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The Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), has honoured Mr Alban Sumani Bagbin, the Majority Leader in Parliament for his meritorious service to the association.

The association presented Mr Bagbin with a plaque, in appreciation of his invaluable service at the Executive Committee Meeting and the 61st General Assembly of the CPA, in London last week.

The committee’s chairperson, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, assisted by the vice chair, Shirley Osborne, presented the plaque to Mr Bagbin, who represents the people of the Nadowli/Kaleo Constituency, in the Upper West Region.

Mr Bagbin also represents the West African sub-region on the Executive Committee of the CPA.

In an interview with journalists, Mr Bagbin said it was gratifying to receive such an award in appreciation for the modest contributions he had made towards the growth and sustenance of parliamentary democracy in the Commonwealth.

“I hope and believe this will not only motivate me in building the association, but also democracy as a whole in the Commonwealth,” he said. “I thank the Association and all its members for this recognition.

The Majority Leader said he wished to see the CPA transformed from a charity into an organisation that would lead Parliaments in the Commonwealth to embark on the path of deepening and understanding democratic practices.

Mr Bagbin said the deliberations at the meetings were fruitful and productive.

On the absence of the Gambia from the Commonwealth, Mr Bagbin said Banjul may have reasons for opting out, however, he added, “But we believe it will be in the interest of all of us to speak with one and stronger voice at the Commonwealth on issues affecting the West Africa sub-region.”

Mr Bagbin cited instances where a united voice had achieved significant results: the West African sub-regional’s response to the Ebola threat and the recent political upheaval in Burkina Faso, and stated the need for the Gambia to reconsider its decision of opting out of the Commonwealth.

Formed in 1948, the CPA is a unique platform of Parliaments of Commonwealth countries and plays an important role in fortifying democracy, rule of law and sustainable development.

CPA encourages Parliaments and Parliamentarians to widen the arena of engagement in delivering pledges made to the people.

The Association also emphasises the need for hands-on approach to solutions and the critical role of Parliaments in leading the development agenda of governments, as well as ensuring accountability and transparency.