Resources and changes in Constitution can help strengthen Parliament but key is for legislature to respect it as a forum for debate

The much anticipated special session of Parliament begins today. There was intense speculation about its purpose when the government announced the session dates that differed from the general parliamentary calendar. But there is some clarity about the next five days. The session is reserved exclusively for lawmaking and will not have any Question Hour.
The government reportedly plans to get Parliament’s approval on five bills. Of these, three bills are contentious. One is about the appointment of the chief election commissioner and election commissioners. The other two are bringing in a new postal law and a press registration law in place of the existing colonial laws. But that is not all. Farewell to the old circular Parliament building is also scheduled in this session.