Parlement Praatjies

Parliament has peculiar traditions and unique titles for officials – such as speaker, whip, mace, doorkeepers, readings, pairing, and divisions – that can be confusing. Why is a quiet chairperson still called “speaker,” and why must a newly elected one be literally dragged to the chair? Why are bills read twice? This book answers these questions and more in an engaging, often humorous way, with chapters full of true stories about amusing situations and distinctive parliamentary personalities.

Dr. Pieter Mulder was a member of parliament for 30 years and visited numerous parliaments around the world. Before his political career, he was a lecturer, associate professor, and head of the Department of Communication at North-West University, where he also earned his doctorate, and he completed postdoctoral studies in Wisconsin. Drawing on his extensive experience, he has compiled a unique book on parliament, filled with humor and true stories from parliamentary life.