Africa-Press – Namibia. National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila on Wednesday walked out of the chamber after abruptly adjourning the session.
The speaker did not make a ruling on the way forward following a stand-off between Swapo and the opposition parties who demanded for a vote on one of the motions that was objected to.
The adjournment was a result of a motion tabled by Affirmative Repositioning (AR) chief whip Vaino Hangula seeking to extend the sittings of members of parliament (MP).
The motion was objected by Swapo MP Paula Kooper which then meant a vote had to be taken.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila had initially agreed for the house to be divided to vote but adjourned the session and walked out, causing confusion among the officials.
Her walking out has since received criticism from MPs citing it as unjust.
The mover of the motion yesterday explained to The Namibian that his motion is aimed at ensuring all items on the order of the day are completed on the same day.
“The motion is simply to extend the sitting hours to make sure we finish the items on the order paper for the day and if we don’t we should proceed till we finish so we don’t waste time and make sure we address all issues,” said Hangula.
This comes after motions and debates have been reported to be left unattended due to objections or absenteeism.
Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry Venaani accuses Swapo of always blocking opposition motions when it does not suit them, cautioning the Swapo members who were outnumbered by the opposition that they will not win the vote.
The move by the speaker, he says, is questionable.
AR leader Job Amupanda states that the speaker is partisan and of the view that her comrades being outnumbered is what led to the adjournment. He vows not to let the matter go.
A concern was raised by some political analysts following her appointment as speaker that she would find it difficult to manage the National Assembly and bring it to order as the opposition would push her to her limits.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila could not be reached for comment by the time of going to print.
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