PAP president calls for unity

THE president of the Pan African Parliament (PAP), Roger Nkodo Dang, who was recently re-elected to head the organisation, has urged Africans to embrace democracy and unite.

“I am hoping this is a lesson to my fellow Africans across the continent that democratic processes must be embraced and appreciated,” said Dang, a Cameroonian.

Thursday’s elections were held in Midrand at PAP’s sixth ordinary session following the expiry of the term of the 4th bureau led by Dang ,who has served for three years as per constitutional rules.

Dang retained his presidential seat with 133 votes, while Chief Fortune Charumbira from Zimbabwe got 47 votes and Mostafa El Gendy from Egypt, 44. The PAP president came into office as an elected successor to Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi on May 27 in 2015.

“The parliamentarians from across the continent present here today cast their votes freely and this is a signal that we are on the correct path to embracing the democratic processes of running our elections. Let this not end here, but let it be a continental practice and culture,” said Dang.

“We need to work forward as a team. There are a lot of things we are still learning and implementing. If we are given support by PAP parliamentarians, we will achieve them.

“We might not agree on various things, but let us unite for a better continent.”

A fresh election will be held for southern Africa to take the position of 4th vice president. – African News Agency (ANA)