Affirmative Repositioning leader Professor Job Amupanda has called for the National Assembly to address five questions concerning its legislative powers, parliamentary procedures and compliance with the Constitution. In his notice of motion, Amupanda questions why the executive has a Cabinet Committee on Legislation while the National Assembly has no dedicated committee responsible for legislation. He also challenges what he describes as the absence of legislation originating from the National Assembly that has been passed and brought into operation since independence. On private members’ bills, Amupanda questions why elected MPs must obtain authorisation from an unelected official, arguing that Article 60(2) of the Constitution allows such bills to be introduced if supported by one-third of National Assembly members. He further raises concerns about the absence of laws and parliamentary directives governing the appointment of the Secretary of the National Assembly, as provided for under Article 52 of the Constitution. The motion also questions the Attorney General’s role in representing the National Assembly in legal disputes, given that Article 87(b) identifies the Attorney General as the principal legal adviser to the President and government. Professor Amupanda further questions why local authority bylaws and regulations have allegedly not been tabled in the National Assembly, as required under Article 111(5) of the Constitution. He argues that the five issues raise concerns about the House’s ability to discharge its constitutional responsibilities and calls for answers and remedial measures to ensure compliance with the Constitution. Report: Serafia Nadunya #NBCNews #nbcdigitalnews #nbcDSTV282 #nbcGOtv20 #nbcPlusApp

A Constitutional Court, a third division of the High Court and term limits for the Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice are among judicial reforms proposed by Affirmative Repositioning leader Professor Job Shipululo Amupanda. In a notice of motion, Prof. Amupanda wants the Standing Committee on Constitutional, Legal Affairs and Petitions to investigate the desirability and feasibility of establishing a Constitutional Court, as well as the constitutional and legislative amendments required. He also proposes a third High Court division, to be known as the Southern Division, based in Oranjemund and serving the southern regions. The committee would engage the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice and Office of the President on the proposed division. The motion further calls for an investigation into term limits for the Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice, including the necessary constitutional and legislative amendments, while safeguarding judicial independence and security of tenure. Prof. Amupanda argues that the reforms would strengthen the rule of law, improve access to justice and support the continued development of Namibia’s judicial institutions. Serafia Nadunya #nbcdigitalnews #nbcDSTV282 #nbcGOtv20 #nbcPlusApp