Amendment bill seeks to curtail legislative approval
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AN ADVOCACY group FTA Watch Thursday issued a statement condemning attempts to end legislative scrutiny of negotiations concerning international economic agreements.
The group said the proposed amendment to Article 190 of the Constitution would constitute a collapse of the legislature as it would be unable to “shield” the country from international economic agreements that could impact the country.
It said the proposed amendment would boost the government’s power to sign international deals without having to seek legislative approval on negotiating a framework.
The government would be able to bypass the legislature to negotiate any deals except those impacting territorial integrity, sovereignty, relevant laws enacted by Parliament and the opening up of markets.
The proposed amendment would also curtail the legislative oversight of international negotiations on free trade, climate change, environment and human rights.
The advocacy group said the amendment, if enacted, might trigger the mushrooming of street protests as it would deprive the people of a channel for participation via the legislature.
THE NATION
