You Missed the Congress? So Did Your Chance to Influence Anything!

By Public Voice News Agency

The recent NAPAS Congressional Sitting concluded amidst a troubling but all-too-familiar reality: quorum was not reached.

According to the NAPAS Constitution, Article 10, Section 61, no fewer than 40 financial members, alongside a presiding officer, must be present to constitute a valid quorum for any congressional sitting. Yet, this clear requirement has persistently slipped into the realm of myth, with quorum becoming an elusive standard rarely met.

This recurrence is not a mere procedural footnote. It exposes a deeper, systemic malaise that threatens the very foundation of student governance and democratic participation.

NAPASites often voice their frustrations and aspirations for better governance, greater transparency, and meaningful change. But there is an ironic paradox at play: when students choose not to attend political or governance events, they effectively forfeit their ability to witness, question, and influence decisions made in their name.

In practical terms, absence means silence. Silence means consent. Without the critical mass of members, decisions proceed or stall without accountability. The democratic process, designed to empower and engage, risks becoming a hollow exercise.

For years, quorum has been treated more like a bureaucratic formality than a living, breathing commitment. The repeated failure to meet quorum during congressional sittings raises urgent questions about ownership and responsibility among members.

Is it complacency? Disengagement? Or a deeper disconnect between student leadership and the wider membership base?

Whatever the root cause, the result is clear: without quorum, legitimacy fades, and the momentum for progress stalls.

The solution is straightforward, though demanding: students must show up.

Engagement begins with attendance.
Accountability requires presence.
Change is impossible without influence, and influence requires participation.

NAPAS is more than an association; it is a platform for a collective voice and shared destiny. To those who desire reform, this is a call to break the cycle of absence and apathy.

Quorum is not a mere number; it is the bedrock of democratic legitimacy. The myth of quorum should end, not because of strict enforcement alone, but because NAPASites understand their power and duty to shape their future.

If you crave better governance, start by showing up. Influence begins in the room where decisions are made.

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