Asoli party urges president to address parliamentary dysfunction

Asoli president Josef Kauandenge accuses the ruling party and speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila of contributing to a dysfunctional parliament, where political grandstanding has replaced parliamentary business. A motion of no confidence in the speaker was moved on Wednesday due to alleged biases and conduct during proceedings. Kauandenge stated the speaker frequently interrupts Members of Parliament, preventing them from fully expressing themselves.

He urged the president to engage the speaker and the Swapo parliamentary caucus to encourage a more consultative approach with opposition parties, suggesting Swapo consult opposition leaders before introducing bills to ensure smoother debates and faster legislation passage. Kauandenge expressed disappointment that few bills have passed almost two years into the current parliament, blaming the inability of Swapo and opposition parties to set aside differences. He emphasized that the president should not be a mere spectator while parliament fails to pass laws.

Kauandenge also called for opposition parties to form a grand coalition ahead of the 2029 elections, noting that 35 years of fragmented opposition have not challenged Swapo's dominance. He cited examples like Zambia, Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, and Malawi where opposition coalitions have democratically removed ruling