The report of the Committee on Rules of Procedure, Immunities and Institutional Affairs was presented by Mr K. Van Overmeire (Belgium).
The People´s Deputy of Ukraine, V.Pysarenko, took the floor during the discussion. Inter alia, he dwelled on the basic regulations that are to be included in Ukrainian legislation appertaining to rights and responsibilities of the political opposition, namely: free access to mass media, control over authority though representation in inspection bodies, right to create a "shadow Cabinet" etc. V.Pysarenko also commented on the requirement that the opposition should meet: activity in accordance with the Constitution, laws and public interests.
The Resolution, adopted on this issue, states that political opposition is an essential component of a well-functioning democracy. "One of the main functions of the opposition is to offer a reliable political alternative to the majority in power. By overseeing and criticizing the work of the ruling government, continuously evaluating government action, and holding the government to account, the opposition works to ensure transparency of public decision and efficiency in the management of public affairs, thereby ensuring the defence of the public interest and preventing misuse and dysfunction".
"Granting the parliamentary opposition a status according to which it is entitled to rights contributes to the effectiveness of a representative democracy and respect for political pluralism, and thereby to the citizens´ support for and confidence in well-functioning institutions.
Establishing a fair legal and procedural framework and material conditions enabling the parliamentary minority to fulfill its functions is a prerequisite for the good functioning of representative democracy. Opposition members should be able to exercise their mandate in full and under at least the same conditions as those members of parliament who support the government; they shall participate in an active and effective manner in the activities of the parliament and shall enjoy the same rights. Equal treatment of members of parliament has to be ensured in all their activities and privileges", - states the Resolution.
The Parliamentary Assembly appeals to the parliaments of its member States to reform or update their rules regarding rights of opposition or parliamentary minority, calls on them to elaborate the charter on the rights of the opposition or determine the status of the opposition in the parliament.
The Resolution also comprises guidelines on the rights and responsibilities of the opposition in a democratic parliament.