Dimension: 1.9.2 Opposition
This dimension covers the various means by which the opposition may perform its functions in a democratic parliament. Parliament Parliament A national body of elected (or sometimes appointed) representatives that makes laws, debates issues and holds the government to account. is the institution that embodies society in the diversity of its composition and its opinions, and the opposition in parliament is a necessary and indispensable component of democracy.
The primary function of the opposition is to offer a credible alternative to the majority in power. Moreover, by overseeing and scrutinizing the actions of the executive, it works to ensure transparency, integrity and efficiency in the conduct of public affairs and to prevent abuses by the authorities and individuals, thereby ensuring the defence of the public interest.
The opposition plays a key role in both parliamentary and presidential systems. In parliamentary systems, where the opposition represents the “government in waiting”, its role is to hold the sitting executive to account, and to propose an alternative policy and legislative agenda. The distinction between the ruling executive and the opposition in parliament may be less clear in presidential systems, particularly when the president of the country is from a different political party than the party with the most seats in parliament.
To be able to function effectively, the opposition needs the right to raise or debate issues of concern. This includes having the opportunity to initiate legislation or motions for debate, having reasonable debating opportunities, being able to put questions to the executive and to propose amendments to laws, and having equitable representation on committees and in other parliamentary bodies.
Furthermore, the opposition, including its leader(s), needs access to adequate resources to effectively perform its oversight function and develop an alternative policy agenda.
Aspiring goal
Assess your parliament against this dimension
Assessment criteria
No 1: Legal framework
The legal framework recognizes the special role of the opposition in parliament.
No 2: Opposition rights
The legal framework and/or parliament’s rules of procedure provide the opposition with specific rights in parliament, such as to scrutinize and question the government, to initiate legislation or motions for debate, to participate equally in debate and votes, to propose amendments to laws, and to be represented equitably on committees and in other parliamentary bodies.
No 3: Opposition resources
The opposition, including its leader(s), has access to adequate resources and facilities to effectively perform its role. In systems where the opposition comprises several parties, resources are allocated in a manner proportional to their representation.
No 4: Practice
In practice, the above provisions are implemented consistently and without discrimination.
How to complete this assessment
This dimension is assessed against several criteria, each of which should be evaluated separately. For each criterion, select one of the six descriptive grades (Non-existent, Rudimentary, Basic, Good, Very good and Excellent) that best reflects the situation in your parliament, and provide details of the evidence on which this assessment is based.
The evidence for assessment of this dimension could include the following:
- Provisions of the legal framework and/or parliament’s rules of procedure recognizing the special role of the opposition and/or guaranteeing equal treatment for all MPs
- Proposals for laws or amendments to existing laws that might affect the status and role of the opposition
- Provisions of parliament’s rules of procedure providing the opposition with opportunities to contribute to parliamentary work
- Provisions relating to the resources available to the opposition
- Parliamentary records of debates in the plenary and committees
- Reports from the media and civil society organizations
Where relevant, provide additional comments or examples that support the assessment.
Sources and further reading
- David Beetham, Parliament Parliament A national body of elected (or sometimes appointed) representatives that makes laws, debates issues and holds the government to account. and democracy in the twenty-first century: A guide to good practice (2006).
- Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Legislators, revised edition (2018).
- Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Guidelines on the rights and duties of the opposition in parliament (1999).
Get help with this assessment
The assessment of indicators involves diagnosing and considering strengths and weaknesses, i.e. the things parliament is doing well, and the things it could do better or more effectively, taking into account established good practices that are described in the indicators.
Read the assessment guidance to find out what to consider when conducting an assessment against the Indicators. Find out how to prepare, how to set the objectives of the assessment, how to organize the process, and more. Contact the project partners for expert advice.
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