Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and Affirmative Repositioning (AR) have expressed frustration over the abrupt postponement of the national budget debate, which was set for Tuesday.
The postponement was announced by National Assembly acting secretary Oscar Muyatwa, who informed chief whips that Parliament would now resume on 8 April 2025.
No reason was provided in the official notice.
“The National Assembly appreciates the public’s patience and understanding as it upholds principles of accountability and transparency in the budgetary process,” he said.
He added that it will be made through the official parliament website and social media platforms.
IPC spokesperson Imms Nashinge said the cancellation lacked a clear explanation and accused the Speaker of bypassing standard parliamentary procedure.
“Shockingly, the Speaker ignored a prior proposal by the IPC Chief Whip for the 8 April date, only to later accept an adjournment motion from a Swapo backbencher, Tobie Aupindi,” Nashinge said.
Nashinge said the delay is believed to be linked to the Ministry of Finance’s failure to provide hard copies of the national budget to Members of Parliament.
He criticised what he described as a growing trend of excluding opposition voices and a lack of transparency in parliamentary processes.
“Parliament must not be held hostage by executive incompetence or partisan maneuvering. IPC MPs sought an immediate explanation from the Speaker on the rule invoked for this postponement,” he said.
He added that future delays must not occur without proper consultation among all parties, as required by the standing rules.
Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda also raised concern over the postponement.
“The budget documents we asked for are still not here. There will be no budget discussion until the document we are asking for is around. The Parliament Session has been postponed to next week. We will only pass the budget when we have looked at all the documents,” Amupanda said.
