Abstract:
The purpose of this article was to investigate the determinants of an empowered parliament for the
promotion of good governance and sustainable development. It had three objectives, to: investigate
the determinants of an empowered parliament; establish how an empowered parliament promotes
good governance and sustainable development; finally, find out the challenges in empowering the
national parliament for good governance and sustainable development and a qualitative study was
adopted to study the National Parliament of the DRC Congo. Among the sovereign countries in the
world, the National Parliament is considered as one of the most fundamental public institutions
charged with the responsibility of promoting a democratic system of governance and sustainable
development. For that matter; there is a strong link between empowered national parliaments; good
governance and democracy; and sustainable development. Furthermore, countries that are
developed have discovered that empowered national parliaments are the foundation on which good
governance and socio-economic development. For example, the European Union (EU) and World
Bank, argue that empowered parliaments are critical for the establishment of democratic systems
which serve as sustainable pathway for the improvement of good governance, national unity and
integration; peaceful coexistence; fair distribution of national resources; social justice and equity;
and finally, the promotion socio-economic development. The article concludes that empowered
national parliaments are autonomous, adequately staffed; continually make good laws that benefit
of theircitizens; they are committed to the furtherance of country’s economy and development;
lastly, they have access and control over national budgets. Moreover, empowered parliament
regulates the other public organizations in the country; for instance, through the giving oversight
and regulations. Finally, empowered national parliaments are self-regulating and governing; for
example, they independently control their calendar of activities; and regulation of the activities of
political parties in a transparent and accountable way. The study recommends that thorough vetting
be applied to every person aspiring the work of Member of Parliament. All the administrative
equipment like offices, computers, security, vehicles, offices, and adequate staff be given to the
National Parliament members to enable them to discharge their duties effectively. Financial and
functional autonomy must be given to the Parliament for a smooth running of the institution.
