In recent public discourse over lobbying, two issues that have
underscored the debate are: - Greater transparency in the
policymaking process, and - Equality of access for all
stakeholders in engaging with the process. There is a need to
build linkages between citizens and the policy making process,
especially by strengthening scrutiny before a Bill is introduced
in Parliament. Currently, there is no process established to
ensure pre-legislative scrutiny by the citizenry. Other
democracies incorporate several measures to enhance public
engagement in the pre-legislative process. These include: -
Making all Bills available in the public domain for a stipulated
period before introducing them in the legislature. This
includes, publishing these Bills in forms (language, medium etc)
that are accessible to the general public. - Making a report or
Green paper on the legislative priorities addressed by the Bill
available for citizens. - Forming adhoc committees to scrutinise
the Bill before it is piloted in the House.