Allexer Namundjembo
The much-anticipated midterm budget review has been delayed once more as National Assembly Speaker, Professor Peter Katjavivi had to adjourn Tuesday’s parliamentary session due to a lack of quorum.
This is the second consecutive adjournment after Deputy Speaker Loide Kasingo postponed Monday’s sitting for the same reason.
Only 47 members were present, along with three non-voting members of parliament, for the session, falling short of the quorum required to proceed.
Political analyst Graham Hopwood explained that coordination between party whips and the Speaker’s office is essential to ensuring the smooth functioning of the National Assembly.
“Members of parliament need to get serious and make sure they attend. The party whips should be able to arrange that a sufficient number of MPs are in the house for this key event without having to call everyone off the campaign trail.” Hopwood said.
On Monday, the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters’ deputy president accused SWAPO members of parliament of not prioritising parliamentary duties.
The SWAPO party holds 63 seats in parliament, while opposition parties have a total of 33 seats.
Harald Kambrude of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), who was in the public galleries, voiced his frustration, accusing MPs of failing to serve the people.
“The MPs are not serving the people,” he shouted from the gallery.
Landless People’s Movement spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa said 50% of his party members were present.
“The chief whip and another member were in attendance, ensuring we have at least 50% of our representation, while our two leaders, Aina Kodi, are on sick leave, and Bernadus Swartbooi is representing the Namibian parliament in South Africa for the Pan-African Parliament,” he said.
Popular Democratic Movement leader, McHenry Venaani said he has instructed his party’s members of parliament to be present.
“Due to campaigns, I have appointed Inna Hengari as our acting shadow minister for finance, who is ready to respond to the budget review,” he said.
He further added that it is not acceptable for MPs to delay the country’s budget review, even during elections.
“We are receiving salaries on behalf of the Namibian people, so I am urging the members of parliament to go and discuss house matters,” Venaani added.
