The Clerk of the National Assembly of the Gambia, Mr. Kalipha Mbye, has voiced opposition to a proposal to rename the professional body of Commonwealth parliamentary clerks, arguing that altering its long-established identity is unnecessary.
Mr. Mbye made his objection during a meeting of clerks held on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town, where members considered amendments to the rules governing the Society of Clerks-at-the-Table in Commonwealth Parliaments (SOCATT).
“Changing the name of the Society is not a priority. I support the other proposed rule reviews, but the name does not need to be changed,” Mr. Mbye said during deliberations.
The proposed new name — Association of Clerks and Secretaries of Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures — drew hesitation from several clerks, who maintained that while reforms may be necessary, the name of the long-established body should remain unchanged.
The matter was later referred to the Advisory Committee and member branches for further consideration. Branches have been asked to review the proposed amendments and submit recommendations before a final decision is taken.
