Innovation in the National Assembly of Mauritius: an interview with Ms. Saseeta Ramsahye-Rakha
The National Assembly of Mauritius, a small island developing State, has just 70 members and about 80 staff. Yet despite its size, it has consistently been a regional leader in innovation. We spoke with Ms. Saseeta Ramsahye-Rakha, who has led the ICT department since 2003, about technology developments in her parliament and how the National Assembly has managed to punch above its weight globally.
Centre for Innovation in Parliament (CIP): How has the ICT function in your parliament evolved over time?
Ms. Ramsahye-Rakha (SRR): The ICT function has undergone a remarkable transformation since I joined in 2003. We’ve evolved from a small, support-based department to a strategic partner within parliamentary processes. Initially, ICT was seen as a back-office operation focused on providing technical support, managing the local network and ensuring hardware functionality. However, as the importance of digital governance and data management have grown, our role has shifted dramatically.
Our team has expanded in terms of both size and expertise. We started with just a pair of technicians handling basic computer and network support. Now, we have a diverse team including cybersecurity experts to protect our parliamentary infrastructure, analysts to design and implement ICT platforms tailored to our unique parliamentary requirements, developers for custom applications, broadcast technicians to handle all aspects of broadcasting and streaming, and ICT infrastructure managers overseeing cloud systems and remote access for MPs.
The strategic importance of ICT has increased significantly, particularly as we’ve moved towards digitalization. It’s now central to everything from parliamentary electronic document management systems and automatic transcription of debates to paperless operations and digital communication platforms for MPs. We’re also enhancing transparency through online public access to parliamentary proceedings, which are live-streamed via our web portal and on the Parliament TV channel.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transition, highlighting the crucial role that ICT plays in ensuring uninterrupted governance. We had to quickly adapt to remote working, ensuring that parliamentary functions could continue seamlessly even in challenging circumstances.
CIP: What have been the top three innovations in your parliament over time?
SRR: The first is the Digital Recording System for automatic transcription of debates, which has revolutionized Hansard production. This system records debates in real time and uses advanced speech-to-text algorithms to transcribe discussions automatically. After minimal human review to correct any errors, we can now produce and release the Hansard within 24 hours of each session. This quick turnaround ensures that records are available for MPs, the media and the public in near real time, enhancing transparency and facilitating informed decision-making.
The second important innovation is the Members Sitting Application, commonly known as the MNA App, which has facilitated our transition to a paperless parliament. The app provides MPs with digital access to all the documents they need for parliamentary sessions, including bills, agendas and papers laid, as well as to digital archives of debates as far back as 1998. MPs can use the app on their tablets during sittings to review documents, make annotations, and access real-time updates on discussions and proceedings. This initiative has significantly reduced our reliance on paper, cutting down costs and promoting environmentally friendly practices.
The third innovation I want to mention is the live broadcasting of parliamentary proceedings, which has significantly improved transparency and public engagement. We stream proceedings live on our video on demand portal, as well as on terrestrial television via our Parliament TV channel. We use multiple camera angles, following prescribed rules of coverage, to ensure a seamless and high-quality viewing experience. Recordings of sessions are also archived and made available online for future reference. This initiative has made the legislative process more visible to the public in real time, promoting accountability and encouraging greater citizen participation in parliament.
CIP: How has the National Assembly of Mauritius managed to remain at the forefront of innovation for so long?
SRR: Our success stems from a strong commitment to innovation from our leadership.
Our clerk, Ms. Urmeelah Devi Ramchurn, has described innovation not as a luxury but as a necessity for the functioning of a modern parliament. This mindset permeates our entire organization.
Our Speaker, Mr. Adrien Charles Duval, has been instrumental in driving our digital transformation. Under his leadership, we’ve embraced digital transformation not just as a trend, but as a necessity for modern governance . We’re continually striving to innovate and improve the way we operate. New technologies are not only making our work more efficient, but also empowering our citizens by giving them greater access to the legislative process.
We’ve also been successful in mobilizing the necessary resources to implement ICT-driven reforms. This includes investment in ICT infrastructure, staff training, and partnerships with international bodies. Importantly, ICT leaders and experts are involved in high-level decision-making, ensuring that technological solutions align with the strategic goals of parliament. This means that the ICT function is not just a service provider but a strategic partner in achieving legislative outcomes.
Continuous learning from other parliaments has been crucial. We actively participate in global forums, knowledge-sharing programmes, and partnerships with bodies such as the CIP. This has allowed us to stay ahead in terms of adopting new technology and best practices.
CIP: What are the most pressing challenges you face and how are you overcoming them?
SRR: Cybersecurity threats are a critical challenge, especially with our increasing reliance on digital systems. We’re tackling this by adopting relevant cybersecurity solutions, conducting regular audits, ensuring that ICT personnel receive continuous training on emerging threats, and holding security awareness sessions for other staff members and MPs.
Resource limitations are another challenge. Like many institutions, we face difficulties in securing enough financial and human resources to drive ICT projects forward. We’re addressing this by prioritizing key initiatives and seeking partnerships, including technical assistance and capacity-building support from international organizations.
Last but not least, new technology often faces resistance from those accustomed to traditional ways of working. We’re overcoming this challenge through comprehensive training programmes for MPs and staff, demonstrating the practical benefits of new systems. It’s about showing how technology can make their work more efficient and effective, rather than being a burden.
CIP: What has your experience been like as one of the few women ICT leaders in parliaments around the world?
SRR: Working as a woman in a male-dominated field has been both challenging and rewarding. The National Assembly has provided an enabling environment where gender equality is respected. We’ve had a woman Speaker in the past, and both our former and current clerks are women. This reflects a forward-thinking approach that consistently creates opportunities for women to thrive.
My journey has shown that competence, dedication and vision transcend gender. I’d advise other women in similar positions to see their gender not as a limitation but as an asset. Parliament needs their perspective, and technology needs their creativity.
My role in parliament goes beyond mere technical expertise; it involves navigating the complexities of legislative processes and ensuring that technology serves governance objectives.
I’ve chosen to stay in parliament because our work has a direct impact on democracy, transparency and the rights of our citizens. Unlike in the private sector, working here allows me to contribute to the very foundation of our country’s governance. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how our technological innovations are making parliament more accessible and transparent to the citizens we serve. This sense of purpose and the opportunity to drive meaningful change in governance are what have kept me here and what continue to motivate me in my role.
