The African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) has raised serious concerns over the ongoing ministerial vetting process, describing it as lacklustre and ineffective.

ACEPA claims that the conduct of both Majority and Minority members of Parliament has undermined the process, preventing nominees from being adequately scrutinised on critical national matters.

In an interview with Citi FM, Dr Rasheed Draman, Executive Director of ACEPA, called for a comprehensive reassessment of the Appointments Committee’s procedures to ensure that the vetting exercise achieves its intended purpose.

Dr Draman stressed the importance of revising the operational framework to promote a more rigorous examination of ministerial candidates.

“This process has been far from satisfactory. There is an urgent need for a thorough review of how the Appointments Committee conducts its work. Unfortunately, we observe members of Parliament, particularly from the Minority, missing the opportunity to hold nominees accountable on crucial matters,” Dr Draman stated.

He criticised the focus on irrelevant issues during the vetting process, highlighting how this approach detracts from assessing the competence, integrity, and suitability of nominees for their respective ministerial roles.

“Rather than addressing issues of competence and fitness for the ministry or department they are to lead, the Minority appears to focus on trivial matters,” he observed.

Dr Draman also expressed disappointment with the Majority’s approach, likening it to a casual and overly supportive exercise.

“For the Majority, this process seems to have become a mere friendly match. While it is understandable that they share party affiliations with the nominees, this should not excuse them from taking the process seriously,” he added.

He urged Parliament to adopt a more professional and robust vetting procedure, emphasising that the current approach does not serve the best interests of the country.