We’re in Arusha for what works best, says Tanzania’s Assembly clerk

ARUSHA, TANZANIA: Tanzania’s National Assembly Clerk, Mr Baraka Leonard, has said global parliamentarians are meeting at the ongoing 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania, not to determine which parliamentary system is the best, but to understand what works, why it works and what lessons can be drawn from it.

The Clerk made the remarks on October 7, 2026, when delivering a speech at the Meeting of Secretaries General of Parliaments of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha.

The parliamentary clerks are attending the 153rd IPU Assembly, which is ongoing at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC).

“We recognise that no Parliament knows everything. Our approach is to learn from others and share experiences,” Mr Leornard said.

According to the Clerk, there is no single system that was better than another, adding that the diversity of parliamentary systems is what makes the Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments important.

“When we look at the different parliamentary systems represented here, we are reminded that there is no single system that is the best. Some of you have bicameral systems, while others, like Tanzania, have a unicameral Parliament. This diversity is what makes this association so important.

“We meet not to determine which system is the best, but to understand what works, why it works and what lessons we can draw from it,” the Clerk said.

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He said the Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments provides a unique opportunity to learn from each Parliament about parliamentary procedures, how parliamentary institutions maintain continuity, support parliamentarians, adapt to change and remain effective in rapidly changing environments.

Speaking about changes in parliaments, he said the Tanzanian Parliament was adapting to a rapidly changing environment, including changing public expectations, technological developments and increased transparency.

“The Parliament of Tanzania has embraced digital systems through the e-Parliament system, which enables Members of Parliament to access documents online and work without paper.

“We have also increased public access to parliamentary proceedings. Parliamentary sessions are broadcast through Parliament Television and social media platforms. Our Parliament is open to citizens who want to follow proceedings live, particularly students,” he said.

The National Assembly Clerk welcomed all delegates to Arusha, describing them as partners in the management of parliamentary affairs.

“My team and I have made all the necessary preparations to ensure that this meeting provides an enabling environment for sharing experiences, learning and professional collaboration.

“Arusha has long been associated with diplomacy, dialogue, regional cooperation and international engagement. This meeting also comes at a very important time in the history of parliamentary institutions in Tanzania,” he said.