Oversight of the executive is a key function of the legislative branch. It aims to guarantee that the government is held accountable for the actions it takes and the policies it implements. Effective parliamentary oversight is one of the cornerstones of parliamentary democracy and an indicator of good governance. Besides its legislative function, it is through effective oversight that the parliament can ensure balance of powers and assert its role as a representative and defender of the people’s interests.

Given the importance of the oversight role of parliaments, PDIAR launched a regional parliamentary working group on Strengthening the Oversight Role of Arab Parliaments in 2009 with the aim to develop a better understanding of the oversight role of Arab parliaments. Since its launch, around 70 parliamentarians, Secretaries General, practitioners and experts representing 16 Arab countries participated in the workshops.

The working group provided a platform for dialogue among the participants, and an opportunity to review the prerogatives given to Arab parliaments to oversee the executive, as well as the oversight tools provided to MPs through the constitutions and parliamentary bylaws. It also allowed the members to pinpoint the weaknesses in the legal framework regulating the oversight function of Arab parliaments, and explore possible areas of reform.

The efforts of this working group culminated in building consensus on a regional set of standards that can encourage and guide Arab parliamentarians seeking to reform their bylaws.