Maintaining discipline in Parliament is more than just a matter of “good manners”; it is the cornerstone of a functional democracy. When the legislative process breaks down into chaos, the voice of the people—represented by their elected officials—is effectively silenced.
Here is an overview of why discipline matters, how it is maintained, and the challenges modern legislatures face.
The Foundation of Parliamentary Order
Parliament is designed to be a “temple of discussion.” For laws to be robust, they must be debated thoroughly. However, this debate requires a strict framework to prevent it from devolving into a shouting match.
1. The Role of the Presiding Officer
Whether it’s the Speaker or the Chairperson, the presiding officer acts as the “referee” of the house. Their primary duties include:
• Regulating Debate: Deciding who speaks and for how long.
• Interpreting Rules: Applying the “Rules of Procedure” to specific situations.
• Maintaining Decorum: Using powers to warn, name, or suspend members who disregard the authority of the Chair.
2. The Code of Conduct
Most Parliaments follow a set of unwritten conventions and written rules:
• Parliamentary Etiquette: Members must not interrupt when another is speaking and must address the Chair rather than each other directly to keep the tone formal.
• Prohibited Language: The use of “unparliamentary language” (insults or defamatory remarks) is strictly forbidden and often struck from the record.
Common Disruptions and Their Impact
In recent years, many legislatures have seen an increase in “organized disruption.” This includes:
• Staging Walkouts: Leaving the chamber to protest a specific bill.
• Rushing the Well: Members physically moving toward the Speaker’s desk to shout slogans.
• Constant Interruption: Using “Points of Order” as a tool to stall proceedings rather than clarify rules.
The Cost of Indiscipline: When sessions are adjourned due to chaos, the taxpayer loses money, and critical legislation—covering everything from national security to public health—gets delayed.
How to Improve Parliamentary Discipline?
To restore the dignity of the house, several reforms are often suggested:
• Stricter Penalties: Implementing automatic suspensions or fines for members who repeatedly break the rules.
• The “No Work, No Pay” Principle: A controversial but popular suggestion where members are not paid for days when the house is adjourned due to disruptions.
• Better Training: Ensuring new MPs are thoroughly briefed on the history and importance of parliamentary traditions.
• Live Broadcast Accountability: While cameras bring transparency, they can sometimes encourage “grandstanding.” Increasing public awareness of how representatives behave can hold them accountable at the ballot box.
Conclusion
Discipline in Parliament is the oil that keeps the machinery of the state running. Without it, the legislature ceases to be a place of intellect and becomes a theater of performance. True democratic strength lies not in the volume of the shout, but in the weight of the argument.
Would you like me to refine this into a specific format, such as an Op-Ed for a newspaper or a formal speech for a debate?
