The majority of Swapo MPs backed an open vote.
However, labour and justice relations minister Wise Immanuel and urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa remained seated and did not back the open voting process or secret voting.
AR MP Frederick Shitana said secret ballots exist to protect lawmakers from political pressure when voting against their party’s preferred position.
“What happens when a member votes against his or her party leader?” he asked.
The sitting was adjourned for 20 minutes to allow parties to consult before proceedings resumed.
The assembly will be going in recess after Friday.
Independent Patriots for Change chief whip Rodrick Likando argued that the Constitution provides for voting by secret ballot and supported that approach.
When the speaker called for a vote after members remained divided, Likando and other opposition parliamentarians walked out of the chamber in protest.
The majority of Swapo MPs backed an open vote.
However, labour and justice relations minister Wise Immanuel and urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa remained seated and did not back the open voting process or secret voting.
AR MP Frederick Shitana said secret ballots exist to protect lawmakers from political pressure when voting against their party’s preferred position.
“What happens when a member votes against his or her party leader?” he asked.
The sitting was adjourned for 20 minutes to allow parties to consult before proceedings resumed.
The assembly will be going in recess after Friday.
