The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) elected new leaders during the 65th CPA General Assembly held at the 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Canada.

Hon. Ian Liddell-Grainger Becomes CPA Chairperson

Hon. Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP from the United Kingdom was elected as the new Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee.
He had served as Acting Chairperson since April 2021.

The Chairperson’s role includes working with the CPA Secretary-General and the Headquarters Secretariat. This election was endorsed by the General Assembly. Strong support was shown by member parliaments across the Commonwealth.

Hon. Anurag Sharma Appointed CPA Treasurer

Hon. Shri Anurag Sharma, MP, from India’s Lok Sabha, was appointed as the new CPA Treasurer.

His appointment will last three years. He will oversee the CPA’s financial matters and head the Board of Trustees. The Executive Committee nominated him, and the General Assembly confirmed the post. His selection reflects India’s growing role in global parliamentary affairs.

Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu Confirmed as Vice-Chairperson

Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, MP, the Majority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament, was confirmed as Vice-Chairperson of the Executive Committee.

His confirmation came during the first meeting of the new Executive Committee. He will serve a one-year term and also join the CPA Coordinating Committee. This appointment strengthens Africa’s presence in CPA leadership.

Emphasis on Accountability and Representation

The new appointments, therefore, demonstrate a strong commitment to transparent leadership, financial oversight, and regional balance.

As a result, with these leaders in place, the CPA is well-positioned to address critical issues. These include democratic governance, sustainable development, and inter-parliamentary cooperation across the Commonwealth.

Furthermore, the leadership change reinforces the CPA’s mission to promote inclusive dialogue, enhance accountability, and strengthen the role of parliaments in addressing global challenges.

Way Forward

The CPA will now move ahead under its new leadership. Key priorities will include capacity building, parliamentary dialogue, and strengthening democratic institutions across 56 Commonwealth nations and 180 legislatures.

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