The National Assembly today (Wednesday) failed to carry out its daily business after there was no quorum in the house.

This was largely due to the absence of opposition party MPs, who continued to abscond from the proceedings for the second day in a row.

The recent abrupt walkout and abscondment of opposition party MPs from the National Assembly continue to impact negatively its operations.

Yesterday, the house was able to conduct its daily business despite the total absence of opposition party members, thanks to a good turnout by ruling party MPs who ensured a quorum was reached.

But today was a different story.

Shortly after the resumption of business, Speaker Professor Peter Katjavivi expressed concern over the lack of a quorum for the house to function properly.

The Speakers granted more time and rang the bell in the hopes of attracting more parliamentarians, but to no avail.

While Swapo Party members formed the majority in the house, at four members short, they were not enough for the proceedings to continue. 

The house was set to go to the committee stage to consider amendments to the Appropriation, Repeal of Obsolete Laws, Stamp Duty, Income Tax, and Value Added Tax bills.

The house was also due to deliberate on four other motions and consider the appointment of Saalman Dhameer Jacobs as Chairperson of the Public Service Commission.

Meanwhile, Swapo Party Chief Whip in the National Assembly, Hamunyera Hambyuka, says the ruling party will do everything it can to ensure that it reaches a quorum in the house as of tomorrow.