Namibia parliament extends sitting hours amid criticism

• Civil society and some MPs have called for extended sitting hours in Namibia's National Assembly.
• The current schedule sees sessions running from 14h30 until 17h45, with concerns over insufficient time for debate.
• Only the budget bill was passed in 2025, highlighting potential issues with the lawmaking process.

The current sitting hours have been criticized for being too short, potentially leading to rushed decision-making or incomplete consideration of legislation.

The National Assembly in Namibia has faced criticism from civil society and some members of parliament (MPs) regarding its sitting hours. Specifically, they have called for the extension of these hours to allow for more thorough discussion and passage of laws. This comes after a notable instance where only the budget bill was passed in 2025. The current schedule sees sessions running from 14h30 until 17h45, with some MPs expressing concerns that this timeframe is insufficient for debating agenda items.

The Namibian lawmaking process involves the National Assembly, which is responsible for passing laws. However, the effectiveness of this process can be impacted by factors such as the availability of time for debate and discussion. The current sitting hours have been criticized for being too short, potentially leading to rushed decision-making or incomplete consideration of legislation. This criticism has been echoed by both civil society groups and some members of parliament.

The extension of the National Assembly's sitting hours could have significant implications for various stakeholders in Namibia, including lawyers advising clients with interests in the country. Any changes to the sitting schedule may impact the passage of laws affecting businesses or investments. As a result, it is crucial for these professionals to monitor developments closely and be prepared for potential adjustments in the lawmaking process.

Lawyers advising clients with interests in Namibia should monitor any changes to the National Assembly's sitting hours, as this may impact the passage of laws affecting their business or investments.

Source: Original reporting via The Namibian