Oversight as the Foundation of Democracy
“Parliament embodies the sovereign will of the people. Its power to call the government to explain and justify its actions is the foundation of democratic accountability,” Mr. Tofa told participants, including researchers under the Sweden-funded SRHR HIV and AIDS Governance Project and Directors from national parliaments.
He highlighted four key mechanisms of parliamentary oversight:
Parliamentary Questions – Tools to extract information, highlight inefficiencies, or challenge policies.
“Questions, whether with or without notice, force ministers onto the public record, highlight gaps, and inform debate.”
Committee Scrutiny – In-depth investigations by committees into departments, policies, and spending.
“Such inquiries produce influential reports and can compel ministers and officials to testify.”
Lawmaking as Oversight – Amending or rejecting weak proposals to shape policy and force concessions.
Budget Control – Parliament’s ultimate lever to prevent executive overreach and ensure funds are used as intended.
Using Evidence to Sharpen Oversight
Mr. Tofa underscored the importance of transparency and access to information.
“Without transparency, accountability is impossible.”
He urged participants to support MPs with data, evidence, and clear frameworks to sharpen debates.
He introduced the “4 As of Service Delivery” as a checklist for exposing gaps in SRHR and health services, especially under climate shocks:
Availability
Accessibility
Affordability
Appropriateness
Strong Questions Drive Accountability
Mr. Tofa illustrated how strong, evidence-based questions transform oversight.
Weak Question: “What is the Ministry of Health doing about climate change?”
Strong Question: “Following the flooding in Beira that displaced 50,000 people, what specific measures has the Ministry of Health, in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, taken to ensure the continuous availability of antiretroviral drugs for HIV-positive individuals, and what is the timeline for restoring full clinic services?”
He explained that strong questions are specific, evidence-based, cross-cutting, and compel concrete answers.
Breaking Silos for Integrated Responses
“Oversight must target the nexus between health, environment, and SRHR. Only then can we break down silos and hold governments accountable for holistic, integrated responses,” Mr. Tofa argued.
He concluded with a reminder:
“Your role is to use these tools strategically to compel the government into the open. A powerful question, anchored in evidence and framed through the 4 A’s, is your primary tool for surgical oversight.”
