National Assembly faces shake-up, loss of institutional knowledge

The National Assembly’s current members of parliament (MPs) have less than six weeks in office before new MPs are sworn in on 21 March.
However, political analysts have raised concerns about the lack of experience of the incoming cohort.

In the 2024 National Assembly and presidential elections, Swapo secured 51 seats, followed by the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) with 20, with Affirmative Repositioning (AR) obtaining six seats.

Both the Landless People’s Movement and the Popular Democratic Movement secured five seats, while the United Democratic Front has two seats.

Those joining the National Assembly in March include AR leader Job Amupanda, Kavetu Stanley (AR), Immanuel Nashinge (IPC), National Democratic Party (NDP)leader Martin Lukato, Swanu president Evalistus Kaaronda and Elijah Ngurare (Swapo).

Political analyst Erika Thomas says the current members of parliament need to finish strong and pave the way for incoming MPs.
“Let us face it, it has not been smooth sailing for many of them at all.

These remaining weeks will now define what legacy they will leave behind,” she says. However, she says outgoing MPs did a good job in passing the Access to Information Act and making important information more accessible.

Thomas adds that incoming members of parliament will bring fresh ideas and knowledge obtained from serving in various capacities in their political parties, and their experience being ‘on the ground’ may better equip them to make decisions that benefit the average person.

She points out that the incoming MPs will provide greater representation of regions across the country. However, she is concerned that many new members lack experience.

“My worry is the fact that we have so many new elected members who have never served in parliament. And with [many] experienced MPs who failed to retain their seats, it will leave a vacuum of vast experience,” she says.

Thomas urged the incoming MPs to participate in debates, contribute to motions and not waste taxpayers’ money rather than being less active backbenchers.

Political commentator Ndumba Kamwanyah also says parliament will lose valuable experience, as several long-serving MPs will not return.
“These MPs have institutional knowledge, legislative expertise and historical context that are crucial for informed decision-making,” he says.

He adds that the departure of the outgoing MPs may create a gap, especially in policy continuity and oversight. However, this opens the door for fresh perspectives and new leadership, which could bring innovative ideas to the table.

National Assembly secretary Lydia Kandetu says they are ready to receive the incoming MPs, as parliament has strategies in place for events of this nature.

“We are ready. We have an induction and orientation workshop in place among others,” she says.
Meanwhile, outgoing MP Joseph Kauandenge warns that debates in parliament can be demanding, and that new MPs could require two years or more to find their footing, understand the processes and procedures of the house, and gather the confidence to contribute to discussions on the floor.

“Even in this outgoing parliament, there are MPs who have been in that house for the past five years and they have never taken the floor to contribute to any discussions, or to table any motions.

They are not known by the public outside there,” he says. Networking and mentoring, he says, will be crucial so that experienced MPs can pass along their experience to new members.

The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters, the National Unity Democratic Organisation, the All People’s Party and the Republican Party will now hold only one seat each.

The NDP and the Body of Christ party, led by Festus Thomas, will be making their debut in parliament after securing one seat each.
The changes will also see various ministers not returning to parliament, including minister of mines and energy Tom Alweendo, minister of higher education, technology and innovation Itah Kandjii-Murangi, minister of international relations and cooperation Peya Mushelenga, minister of defence and veterans affairs Frans Kapofi and presidential affairs minister Christine //Hoabes.

National Planning Commission director general Obeth Kandjoze, minister of labour, industrial relations and employment creation Utoni Nujoma, minister of urban and rural development Erastus Uutoni and minister of education, arts and culture Anna Nghipondoka are also among those who will not retain their positions.