The Asoli Progressive Party has called on president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to urgently intervene in what it describes as “chaos, anarchy and theatrics” unfolding in the National Assembly.
Asoli president Josef Kauandenge accuses the ruling party and speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila of contributing to a dysfunctional parliament, saying parliamentary business has increasingly been replaced by political grandstanding and unnecessary disruptions.
On Wednesday a motion of no confidence in the speaker was moved due to alleged biases and ruling conduct during proceedings.
Kauandenge says the speaker was running a “tight ship” by frequently interrupting members of parliament and not allowing them to fully express themselves during proceedings.
He urges the president to engage the speaker and Swapo parliamentary caucus and encourage them to adopt a more consultative approach with opposition parties.
According to Kauandenge, Swapo should consult opposition leaders before bills are brought to parliament to ensure smoother debates and faster passage of legislation.
He says it is disappointing that, almost two years into the current parliament, only a limited number of bills had been passed, blaming the situation on the inability of Swapo and opposition parties to put their differences aside.
“The president cannot just continue to be a mere spectator while parliament continues to fail in its duties to pass laws that will eventually improve the lives of our people,” Kauandenge says.
He further calls on opposition parties to consider forming a grand coalition ahead of the 2029 elections, arguing that 35 years of fragmented opposition had failed to significantly challenge Swapo’s dominance.
Kauandenge points to countries such as Zambia, Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius and Malawi, saying opposition coalitions had demonstrated their ability to democratically remove ruling parties from power.
He urges opposition leaders to put aside egos and individual party interests, saying their focus should be on forming a united political force capable of taking state power.
Kauandenge warns that the current approach could see parliament continuing to struggle to pass legislation if political parties fail to change course.
