20th Conference of Speakers& Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC)

The Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) is a prestigious association bringing together the heads of National Parliaments from independent sovereign states across the Commonwealth.

Founded in 1969 by the Honourable Lucien Lamoureux, then Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada, CSPOC serves as a unifying force. It transcends boundaries of race, colour, religion, and culture, driven by a shared respect for the rule of law and the ideals of parliamentary democracy.

Core Objectives of the CSPOC

The full Conference convenes every two years with a clear mission to strengthen parliamentary integrity. Its primary goals include:

• Impartiality: Fostering fairness in the duties of Speakers and Presiding Officers.
• Institutional Development: Encouraging the growth of parliamentary institutions worldwide.
• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a deeper understanding of the various forms of parliamentary democracy.

Spotlight: The 20th CSPOC Conference (Delhi, 2010)

The Parliament of India has a long-standing relationship with the association, having hosted the conference in 1971 and 1986. Most recently, the 20th Conference was held in Delhi in January 2010, where global leaders gathered to discuss the evolving challenges of parliamentary leadership.

Key Discussion Topics:

1. Security: The Speaker’s role in securing parliamentary precincts.
2. Mediation: Navigating the Speaker’s role as a mediator within the house.
3. Technology: Integrating modern technology into the parliamentary context.
4. Administration: The Speaker’s responsibilities in the day-to-day administration of Parliament.

Commemorating Parliamentary Excellence

To mark the significance of the Twentieth Conference and India’s role as a host, a commemorative postage stamp was issued. This stamp stands as a symbol of the enduring partnership between the Commonwealth nations and their commitment to democratic excellence.