馃嚦馃嚘NamibiaSouthern Africa
National Assembly sitting descends into chaos over speaker's rulings
via The Namibian1 min read
A National Assembly sitting on Wednesday devolved into disorder after a tea break, as opposition parliamentarians challenged Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila's conduct of proceedings. Popular Democratic Movement PDM president McHenry Venaani, PDM parliamentarian Inna Hengari, Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda, and Independent Patriots for Change IPC chief whip Rodrick Likando were among those who questioned the speaker's rulings. Opposition members expressed dissatisfaction with a "provocative utterance" by a Swapo parliamentarian, arguing that the speaker failed to address the issue amid growing disruptions. Hengari stated that members raising points of order were being ruled out of order before they could speak. The confrontation escalated after Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah was permitted to table and read a debate speech for Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, a move opposed by opposition parties. This incident follows earlier disputes this month regarding the interpretation and application of standing rules, where the speaker and opposition members frequently clashed. Due to continued disruptions and difficulty in restoring order, the speaker adjourned the sitting. The National Assembly had been debating the petroleum bill before the suspension of proceedings until Thursday.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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