ABSTRACT

This study sought to diagnose the evaluation capacity of the Economic Community of West African States Parliament (ECOWAS-P) in respect of its ability to perform the oversight function. The study employed a qualitative approach, specifically a focus group discussion (FGD), to explore and understand the evaluation capacity of the Parliament. Twelve participants constituted the FGD, mainly from four key units of the Parliament, namely: the Office of the Secretary General; the Directorate of Parliamentary Affairs and Research; Office of the Bureau of the ECOWAS-P; and Members of the ECOWAS-P. The study found out that the evaluation capacity of the ECOWAS-P is considered weak with limited capacity as well as nascent with significant gaps. This has implications for the effective performance of the Parliament’s oversight responsibility. The study, thus, suggests measures to enhance the evaluation capacity of the Parliament.

摘要

本研究试图诊断西非国家议会经济共同体 (ECOWAS-P) 在履行监督职能方面的评估能力。该研究采用定性方法，特别是焦点小组讨论 (FGD)，来探索和了解议会的评估能力。FGD 的 12 名参与者主要来自议会的四个关键单位，即：秘书长办公室；议会事务和研究局；ECOWAS-P 主席团办公室；和 ECOWAS-P 的成员。研究发现，ECOWAS-P 的评估能力被认为是薄弱的，能力有限，以及新生的，存在显着差距。这对议会监督责任的有效履行具有影响。因此，该研究