by Martha Jeremia
Windhoek, Sept 11 — Affirmative Repositioning (AR) members of parliament have publicly criticized the current state of Namibia’s parliament, labeling it incompetent and vowing to challenge entrenched practices to promote greater accountability and effectiveness.
Speaking at a party press conference on Thursday, AR leader Job Amupanda expressed strong dissatisfaction with how parliament operates. “We did not come to parliament to be made pushovers,” Amupanda stated firmly. “We will not accept an incompetent parliament.”
He emphasized that parliamentary members have the right to ask questions and engage actively, asserting, “We cannot be elected to parliament and then be told we cannot just ask questions. Asking questions is our right.” Amupanda further highlighted that for too long, parliament has been dominated by a single party, but assured that AR intends to change that dynamic.
Highlighting issues of resource allocation, Amupanda raised concern over Members of Parliament being crowded into small offices while parliamentary clerks occupy larger, more comfortable spaces a situation he described as unacceptable.
Echoing these concerns, AR MP Tuhafeni Kalola noted that opposition voices are often stifled, with members being told to sit down when attempting to speak. Kalola said the party is developing strategies to improve parliamentary operations, including motions to extend sitting hours. “The undermining of opposition by the ruling party Swapo has become an issue, but this will not intimidate the AR,” he assured.
Fellow AR MP Ester Haikola-Sakaria pointed out that parliamentary incompetence has persisted for years. She affirmed that AR will not remain passive but will actively hold parliament accountable.
The Affirmative Repositioning MPs’ statements underline their commitment to reshaping parliamentary culture and strengthening democratic practices in Namibia’s legislature.
