Parliament of Namibia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parliament of Namibia |
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| Type | |
| Type | |
| Houses | National Council National Assembly |
| Leadership | |
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Chairperson of the National Council
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Lukas Sinimbo Muha, SWAPO
Since 15 December 2020 |
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Speaker of the National Assembly
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Saara Kuugongelwa, SWAPO
Since 21 March 2025 |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 146 National Council (42) National Assembly (104) |
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National Council political groups
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Government (28) SWAPO (28)Official opposition (6) LPM (6)Other parties (8) PDM (2) IPC (2) UDF (2) NUDO (1) Independent (1) |
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National Assembly political groups
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Government (59) SWAPO (51) Appointed members (8)Official opposition (20) IPC (20) Other parties (25) AR (7) PDM (5) LPM (5) UDF (1) NEFF (1) SWANU (1) RP (1) NUDO (1) APP (1) NDP (1) BCP (1) |
| Elections | |
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National Council voting system
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Indirect election by regional councils |
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National Assembly voting system
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Closed list proportional representation and appointments by the President |
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National Council last election
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25 November 2020 |
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National Assembly last election
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27-30 November 2024 |
| Meeting place | |
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| Tintenpalast, Windhoek, Khomas Region, Namibia | |
The Parliament of Namibia is like the main law-making body for the country of Namibia. It's a special kind of parliament called a bicameral legislature, which means it has two main parts, or "houses." These houses work together to create and approve the laws that govern Namibia.
The two houses are:
- The National Council (this is often called the upper house)
- The National Assembly (this is usually known as the lower house)
Many members of Namibia's Cabinet, who help the President run the country, are also part of the National Assembly. This means they work very closely together to make and carry out laws.
When Namibia first became independent in 1990, the National Assembly had 78 members. Most of these members (72) were chosen through a system called proportional representation, and the President appointed 6 others. The National Council had 26 representatives, with two from each of the country's thirteen regions at that time. Before the general elections in 2014, the country's main rulebook, the constitution, was changed. These changes made both houses larger, bringing them to their current number of members.
Contents
Understanding Namibia's Parliament
What is the Parliament of Namibia?
The Parliament of Namibia is where important decisions about the country's future are made. It's a place where elected representatives from all over Namibia come together. Their main job is to discuss new ideas, create laws, and make sure the government is working for everyone. Think of it as the country's biggest classroom and debate hall combined!
How Namibia's Parliament is Organized
Namibia's Parliament is set up with two different groups of people, or "houses," that work together. This is what "bicameral" means. Each house has its own role, but they both contribute to the law-making process.
The National Assembly: Making Laws
The National Assembly is the larger of the two houses. It has 104 members. Most of these members are elected by the people of Namibia. They represent different political parties and communities. The National Assembly is where new laws are usually first introduced and debated. It's a very active place where members discuss important issues and vote on whether new laws should be passed.
The National Council: Reviewing Laws
The National Council is the smaller house, with 42 members. These members are chosen by the regional councils across Namibia. Their job is to review the laws that have been passed by the National Assembly. They make sure these laws are fair and will work well for all regions of the country. They can suggest changes or improvements before a law is finally approved.
Who Leads the Parliament?
Each house of the Parliament has its own leader who helps guide discussions and keep things organized.
Leaders of the National Assembly
The National Assembly chooses a leader called the Speaker, and also a Deputy Speaker. These leaders are responsible for making sure debates are fair and that everyone follows the rules. The current Speaker of the National Assembly is Saara Kuugongelwa, and her deputy is Phillipus Katamelo. Both are members of the SWAPO party. When they are in their leadership roles, they do not vote on laws.
Leaders of the National Council
The National Council also elects its own leader, who is called the Chairperson. This person guides the meetings and discussions in the upper house. The current Chairperson of the National Council is Lukas Sinimbo Muha, who is also from the SWAPO party.
How the Parliament Has Grown
Over time, the number of people working in Namibia's Parliament has changed. When Namibia became an independent country, the National Assembly had 78 members. The National Council had 26 members, with two from each of the 13 regions. In 2014, the country decided to make both houses larger. This change meant more representatives could be part of the law-making process, reflecting the growing population and needs of Namibia.
See also
In Spanish: Parlamento de Namibia para niños
- Politics of Namibia
- List of legislatures by country
