National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has warned that social media is a double-edged sword for Members of Parliament, saying while it promotes transparency and public engagement, it can also undermine the work of lawmakers if misused.
The Speaker was speaking during the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) currently taking place in New Delhi, India. The conference was officially opened by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and brings together parliamentary leaders to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation among Commonwealth legislatures.
In his address, Wetang’ula noted that parliamentary proceedings are now under constant public scrutiny due to social media, unlike in the past when debates were followed mainly through traditional media.
He cautioned that social media should not be used to intimidate or harass Members of Parliament, warning that such actions weaken lawmakers’ ability to carry out their constitutional duties.
According to the Speaker, misinformation spreads quickly in the digital space, and once it gains traction, it becomes difficult to correct. He said attempts to clarify issues are sometimes misunderstood or viewed as manipulation.
“For parliamentarians, this is not just a communication issue. It affects personal safety, focus on legislative work, and the ability of Parliament to debate freely without fear or intimidation,” Wetang’ula said.
He added that presiding officers face the challenge of protecting the integrity of parliamentary processes while still allowing public participation and scrutiny.
The Speaker described social media as both a powerful and risky tool. He said it enhances direct engagement, transparency, and accountability, but also fuels misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and political polarization.
“One post can trigger a major controversy, and it is often difficult to control the outcome,” he said, noting that democracy is now under closer watch than ever before.
Wetang’ula urged parliamentary leaders to ensure that what the public sees online reflects seriousness, discipline, and the purpose of legislative institutions.
He also advised MPs to exercise restraint, saying not every criticism or online trend requires a response. “Strength lies in knowing which criticism deserves engagement and which noise should be ignored,” he said.
On the sidelines of the conference, Speaker Wetang’ula held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where he praised India’s democratic strength and its contribution to national development.
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Commonwealth Sustainable Development Goals, which focus on areas such as health, climate action, economic growth, and innovation.
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