Tensions ran high in the National Assembly on Wednesday as the Deputy Minister of Education, Faustina Caley, raised objections to the tabling of a private member's bill proposing to regulate the provision of free sanitary materials to schoolgirls.

The bill was proposed by PDM Leader McHenry Venaani.

A commotion began after Caley's objection was raised, as several parliament members echoed their dissent throughout the chamber.

Presiding over the session, Speaker of the National Assembly, Professor Peter Katjavivi, found himself in a challenging position given the heated exchanges.

He decided that, in light of the objections, the only way to proceed was to divide the house for a vote on whether or not to allow the bill to be tabled for further discussion.

After the vote was conducted, the results revealed a clear division among parliamentarians.

The MPs voted 19 in favour of the motion, 20 voted against, and no one abstained.

The Speaker announced that the bill would not proceed to further discussion due to the objection.

Another private member's bill by PDM Leader Mchenry Venaani, which also failed tabling, was to regulate the formal recognition of the Baster Traditional Authority within Namibia.

Prime Minister Saara Kugongelwa-Amadhila argued that such a law would usurp the powers already vested in the minister.