Lawmakers have rejected opposition leader Panduleni Itula’s call to dissolve the National Assembly, saying parliament’s shortcomings do not justify fresh elections.
Speaking to NewsOnOne, Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) president Itula recently suggested that president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah consider dissolving parliament due to its “ineffectiveness”.
“I will ask the president to consider dissolving an ineffective parliament so that the people of Namibia can go back to the polls to elect representatives in the proportion that is functioning,” he said.
Itula argued that parliament has failed to govern effectively, pointing to the slow pace of lawmaking.
Since the eighth parliament was constituted in 2025, only the mental health bill has been passed outside the budget process.
He said frequent disputes over parliamentary procedures, standing rules and the conduct of business have delayed legislation, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the House.
Citing Article 57 of the Constitution, Itula said the president may dissolve the National Assembly, on Cabinet’s advice, if the government cannot govern effectively, triggering elections within 90 days.
He, however, rejected claims that the IPC is obstructing legislation, saying the party will not support laws it considers unconstitutional or unjust.
Most IPC members of parliament refused to comment, referring this publication to Itula.
Swapo Party Youth League secretary Ephraim Nekongo has dismissed Itula’s call, describing it as an insult to Namibian voters and an attempt to avoid political responsibility.
He says parliament exists to debate, scrutinise and pass laws that improve the lives of citizens, adding that the IPC was elected to participate in lawmaking rather than undermine the institution.
Nekongo questions the opposition party’s commitment to its mandate.
“If the IPC believes parliament is failing, it must present constructive alternatives instead of calling for its dissolution,” he says.
STRUCTURAL ISSUES
Swanu for Namibia president Evilastus Kaaronda rejects Itula’s proposal, saying dissolving parliament would not address the underlying problems.
Kaaronda says the loss of Swapo’s two-thirds majority has created an opportunity for genuine democratic engagement, but questions whether Itula was prepared to work with other opposition parties.
He criticises parliament’s working arrangements, saying the House sits only from Tuesday to Thursday and often starts well after the scheduled 14h30.
“On average, parliament only works about nine hours a week, while ordinary Namibians work 40 to 45 hours. The ineptitude of the speaker is also central to how the assembly performs,” he says.
“The good doctor would have done better had he joined the National Assembly instead of misreading events from the comfort of his armchair,” he adds.
‘BURNING A HOUSE TO KILL A COCKROACH’
Affirmative Repositioning chief whip Vaino Hangula also dismisses Itula’s proposal.
“Calling for parliament to be dissolved is like burning down a house to kill a cockroach,” Hangula says.
He argues the current parliament is scrutinising legislation more thoroughly instead of rubber-stamping flawed bills.
Former ambassador Pius Dunaiski, however, says Itula’s remarks have reignited an important national debate.
While not endorsing the proposal, he says prolonged legislative deadlock risks delaying reforms, undermining investor confidence and weakening public trust in democratic institutions.
Dunaiski says Namibia is entering a more competitive political era.
