Democratic institutions need to be transparent, responsive, accountable to people: Speaker Om Birla

Democratic institutions can remain strong and relevant when they are transparent, inclusive, responsive, and accountable to people, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Friday (January 16, 2026).

Addressing the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), Mr. Birla observed that transparency fosters public trust by ensuring openness in decision-making, while inclusivity guarantees that all voices, especially those on the margins, are heard and respected in the democratic process.

Together, these principles sustain the legitimacy of democratic institutions and strengthen the enduring bond between the citizen and the State, he said.

‘Consensus and dissent needed’

Earlier, Mr. Birla observed that modern democracies face both unprecedented opportunities and complex, multi-dimensional challenges.

Noting that the true relevance of Parliaments lies in their ability to respond to citizens’ expectations and aspirations, he said that the foremost duty of Presiding Officers was to continuously adapt democratic institutions to contemporary needs while remaining anchored in constitutional values.

He held that consensus and dissent are both strengths of democracy, but must be expressed within the framework of parliamentary propriety and in this context, the role of the Presiding Officer was described as decisive in safeguarding the dignity of the House, ensuring impartiality and reinforcing institutional credibility.

Enhanced discussion directly contributes to greater transparency, accountability and strengthened public trust in legislatures, he added.

Parliaments in the age of AI, social media

During the conference, discussions were held on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in Parliaments, the impact of social media, citizen engagement beyond elections, and the health and well-being of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff.

“These deliberations helped Presiding Officers gain greater clarity about their evolving roles and responsibilities at a critical juncture where democratic traditions intersect with rapid technological change,” Mr. Birla said, adding that technology, inclusion, and global partnerships will shape the new world order.

Next conference in U.K.

During the valedictory session, the Speaker handed over the chairmanship of the next conference to Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the United Kingdom’s House of Commons. The U.K. will host the next CSPOC in 2028.

Recalling the vision behind the establishment of CSPOC 56 years ago, Mr. Birla said that it had been conceived to ensure continuous dialogue among the democratic legislatures of the Commonwealth and to explore new ways of enhancing parliamentary efficiency and responsiveness. He expressed confidence that the bilateral meetings and informal interactions held during the conference had further strengthened bonds of friendship and understanding among member countries.