ABSTRACT
There are many parliamentary associations around the world actively involved in promoting parliamentary democratic standards. While some of them, such as the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, have global membership, there are others representing common interests or regional concerns. The plenary conferences of the CPA were biennial from 1948 to 1959, though from 1961 onwards these conferences have been held annually. Under the auspices of the CPA, several seminars are organized regularly for the benefit of its members. The CPA, through its various publications, keeps members informed of developments of constitutional, parliamentary and political interest. The CPA has also made a detailed study of factors responsible for the limited participation of women in public life. The association has embarked on another notable venture in the field of training parliamentary staff. Within the association, considerable thought is given to the future role of the CPA.
