Mulunga calls for removal of National Assembly Speaker
Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) Member of Parliament Michael Mulunga has tabled a motion calling for the censure and removal of National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa Amadhila.
Mulunga says the motion, brought under Article 51(3) of the Namibian Constitution, is not an attack on the Speaker’s character but questions whether she has carried out the duties required of her office.
He argues that the Speaker has a responsibility under the National Assembly’s Standing Rules to act fairly and impartially and to ensure that all Members are given an opportunity to participate in proceedings.
In his motion, Mulunga cites two incidents which he says demonstrate concerns with the handling of parliamentary proceedings.
He refers to the events of 17 June, when disagreements over rulings from the Chair led to the collapse of proceedings.
According to Mulunga, Members from four political parties objected after being ruled out of order before they could raise their points of order.
He also points to the events of 10 July, when opposition Members walked out following a dispute over the conduct of a vote.
Mulunga says the walkout resulted in the House losing its quorum.“A House does not fall over twice in a month when the Rules are applied evenly,” he said.
Mulunga further alleges that disciplinary powers belonging to the National Assembly have, in some cases, been exercised directly from the Chair without following the procedures set out in the Standing Rules.
He referred to rules governing complaints of contempt and the removal of Members from the chamber, arguing that the required procedures were not always followed.“Members present say orders have been made where neither condition was met,” Mulunga said.
He also raised concerns about outstanding parliamentary questions.
The Speaker’s Office confirmed in July that approximately 550 questions had been tabled since the beginning of the current Parliament, with 166 disposed of.
Mulunga argues that unanswered questions affect Parliament’s ability to hold the executive accountable and said they often concern matters directly affecting ordinary Namibians.“A question is not paperwork,” he said.
The motion now puts Mulunga’s allegations about the Speaker’s conduct and application of the Standing Rules before the National Assembly.
The Speaker’s response to the allegations, as well as the position taken by other Members, will be central to the debate when the motion is considered.
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