The Working of Parliamentary Executive

The parliamentary executive is the executive branch of the government that is responsible for implementing laws and policies. It consists of the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers, and the bureaucracy. The working of the parliamentary executive is influenced by various factors, such as the nature of the parliamentary system, the role of political parties, and the relationship between the executive and the legislature.

Nature of the Parliamentary System

In a parliamentary system, the executive is responsible to the legislature and derives its authority from it. This means that the executive is accountable to the parliament and can be dismissed by a vote of no confidence. The parliamentary executive is also dependent on the legislature for the passage of laws and policies, as it requires the support of the majority in the parliament.

Role of Political Parties

Political parties play a crucial role in the working of the parliamentary executive. The executive is usually formed by the party or coalition of parties that has the majority in the parliament. The party or coalition leader becomes the Prime Minister and selects members of the Council of Ministers. The executive is therefore closely aligned with the political party and its agenda.

Relationship between the Executive and Legislature

The relationship between the executive and the legislature is characterized by a system of checks and balances. The executive is accountable to the legislature and is required to regularly report on its activities. The legislature can scrutinize the executive's decisions, question its ministers, and hold it accountable for its actions. This ensures transparency and prevents the executive from becoming too powerful.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Working of Parliamentary Executive

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the working of the parliamentary executive. Some of the key effects include:

1. Suspension of Parliament: Many countries have suspended parliamentary sessions or implemented virtual sessions to comply with social distancing measures. This has affected the ability of the legislature to hold the executive accountable and pass new legislation.

2. Emergency Powers: Governments have invoked emergency powers to respond to the pandemic, which has given the executive more authority and reduced the role of the legislature in decision-making.

3. Virtual Meetings: Parliamentary committees and debates have shifted to virtual platforms, which can limit the effectiveness of scrutiny and debate. It may be challenging for members to fully participate and engage in discussions virtually.

4. Delayed Legislation: The focus of the executive has shifted towards managing the pandemic, resulting in delays in the passage of non-COVID related legislation. This can impact the functioning of the government and the implementation of policies.

5. Increased Executive Power: The need for quick decision-making and implementation during a crisis may lead to an increase in executive power. This can raise concerns about democratic accountability and the potential for abuse of authority.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the working of the parliamentary executive. The suspension of parliament, emergency powers, virtual meetings, delayed legislation, and increased executive power are some of the key impacts. These effects highlight the challenges faced by parliamentary systems in ensuring democratic accountability and transparency during times of crisis.