Staff Reporter
PARLIAMENT adjourned this afternoon after the second consecutive day ended in chaos, after the official Opposition IPC, for the first time in Namibia’s parliamentary history, attempted to table a motion seeking a vote of no confidence in National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila. She is accused of failing to act fairly and impartially in presiding over the House.
The motion was tabled by Michael Mulunga, a Member of Parliament from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), who invoked the National Assembly’s Standing Rules and Article 51(2) of the Namibian Constitution, which provides for the removal of the Speaker by a resolution of the National Assembly.
Mulunga moved, without notice, for the House to resolve that Kuugongelwa-Amadhila be removed from office as Speaker.
He argued that Standing Rule 27 requires the Speaker to act fairly and impartially, apply the Standing Rules with due regard to ensuring the participation of all members in a manner consistent with democracy, and ensure the consistent and strict observance of the Standing Rules, Standing Orders and applicable legal provisions.
Mulunga further argued that the Speaker’s conduct is particularly important given Parliament’s constitutional responsibilities, including holding ministers accountable for the administration of their ministries and upholding and defending the Constitution.
The motion calls for the vacancy created by the removal of the Speaker to be reported to the Secretary of the National Assembly and filled in accordance with Article 51(4) of the Constitution and the relevant Standing Rules.
It also seeks to censure Kuugongelwa-Amadhila for allegedly failing to discharge the duties imposed on her under Standing Rule 27, particularly the requirement to act fairly and impartially.
Mulunga further argued that any complaint alleging that a member had committed contempt of Parliament should be referred by the House to the Committee of Privileges in terms of Standing Rule 111(1), rather than being dealt with by the Speaker.
After Mulunga tabled the motion, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila raised concerns about her ability to make a ruling on a matter directly concerning her own position as presiding officer.
“I have to consider whether the matter can be tabled under the procedure while the member is presiding,” she said, indicating that a ruling on the procedural issue would be deferred.
She said it would present a challenge for her to preside over a matter concerning the conduct and position of the presiding officer.
“I can’t make a ruling on an issue that concerns me,” Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said.
The Speaker then instructed Mulunga to take his seat, saying he would have an opportunity to address the motion at the appropriate time.
“I cannot make a ruling now. You will have an opportunity to deal with that issue another time,” she said.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila also cautioned members against engaging one another while the matter was being dealt with, reminding the House that only one member could hold the floor at a time. The Speaker, however, could not bring the House to order and walked out, returning later.
One parliamentarian said: “We don’t know what’s going to come out of the room there and what they are going to do.”
Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila returned to the National Assembly moments later but could not bring the House to order. Prime Minister Dr Elijah Ngurare then moved for the House to adjourn until next Tuesday.
Photos: NBC Digital News
