The Speaker of the National Assembly says interface sessions between parliament and civil society play a significant role in strengthening parliamentary democracy and ensuring its effective functioning as an oversight institution.

Professor Peter Katjavivi made these remarks at the interface session of parliament and civil society organizations on "Access to Parliament" in Windhoek today. Professor Katjavivi noted that the existence of a sound and harmonious relationship between civil society and parliament is a cornerstone of a modernized democratic system.

"As civil society organizations, you serve as a watchdog on government actions, ensuring that both the government and the parliament operate in an open, transparent, and accountable manner by monitoring legislative proceedings and scrutinizing government policies."

Parliament, he says, will continue to strengthen its relationship with civil society to promote inclusivity in decision-making.

"We must come to terms with the reality that our partnership deserves proper nurturing, management, and accountability. It is my belief that we will continue to have this type of interaction randomly in order to compare notes, learn from each other's shortcomings, and build a society governed by accountability, integrity, and selflessness."

The interface session is part of Enhancing Participatory Democracy in Namibia, a partnership programme between the government and the European Union. 

The Chief National Development Advisor of the NPC, Taleni Mabakeng, says, "This will be the second interface meeting, which is aimed at bringing MPs and CSOs together in order to appreciate their common sphere of operations in the context of oversight and accountability and define the extent and vehicles for collaboration that are permissible and workable within the existing legal environment and rules of procedure established by parliament."

Twenty-four civil society organisations took part in the interface session.