WINDHOEK – The National Assembly has passed and adopted both the Third Constitution Amendment and Electoral Bills within the space of a month, in time for the national elections slated for November when over a million Namibians will go to the polls.
This was done amidst calls from minority parties to withdraw the bills until after the elections.
Swapo Party MPs however assured their counterparts there is nothing sinister about the amendments and that the changes needed to be adopted to ensure that elections take place as planned, enhance accountability in government and ensure government is inclusive taking into consideration the country’s diverse cultures and tribes.
Both Bills were passed in the National Assembly on Wednesday.
Although the passing of the Bills came as no surprise to many, minority politicians did not let this deter them from making their input during the debates – which at times were very heated.
The Electoral Bill provides that voting will only take place on one day, and not over two days as was the case in the past.
Electoral tribunals and electoral courts with differentiated functions will also be established.
Another feature that will be introduced in the country’s electoral system is the inclusion of an Occurrence Book, which will be kept at every registration point, polling station and collation centre in which all complaints and events in which a person is dissatisfied will be recorded.
To the dismay of minority parties that continue to struggle financially, political party funding will continue on the basis of proportional representation or the number of seats held.
Meanwhile, the adopted amendments to the country’s constitution make provision for the insertion of a vice-president position in the presidency.
The president will appoint the vice-president.
The constitutional amendments are further aimed at the creation of an independent electoral commission; introduction of the boundaries commission; an increase in members of the National Assembly from 72 to 96; and an increase of presidential appointees from six to eight, amongst others.