Members of the National Council have called on the Electoral Commission of Namibia to implement a permanent voter card system. 

This proposal, aimed at streamlining the electoral process, seeks to boost efficiency and minimise administrative burdens.

Additionally, the council members expressed concerns regarding the time gap between the announcement of election results and the official assumption of office. 

These issues were raised during discussions on Section 25 of the Electoral Amendment Bill.

The National Council (NC) session today ended abruptly because of heated exchanges between some parliamentarians.

The session spiralled into chaos as Members of Parliament (MP) raised concerns over a report tabled by the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure, and Housing on its oversight mission to the regions.

NC MP and Independent candidate Paulus Mbangu demanded that the report be withdrawn as it was not in conformity with the set standards of parliamentary reports.

Findings from oversight reports by the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure, and Housing reveal stark disparities, particularly in rural communities, highlighting challenges of accessibility and outdated infrastructure, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions.

Presenting the report to the National Council, Chairperson of the Standing Committee, Swapo Party MP Alfeus Abraham, called for urgent attention to address the challenges in line with national development objectives.

Members of Parliament in the National Council expressed concern for public health over the use of hooka pipes, or, as they are otherwise popularly known, hubbly bubbly, especially when shared.

They were contributing to the motion tabled by Swapo Party MP Richard !Gaoseb, which includes the need for an analysis of its health side effects.

Swapo MP Hans Nambondi said that when shared between individuals from mouth to mouth, hubbly bubbly can potentially facilitate the transmission of infectious diseases or communicable diseases.

The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Dr. Peya Mushelenga, has addressed concerns regarding the suspension of the Managing Editor at the New Era Newspaper.

In response to questions raised by Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) MP Maximalliant Katjimune, Dr. Mushelenga dismissed claims of political interference, stating that the suspension is handled by the corporation's board and management.

Dr. Mushelenga stressed that Namibia, known for its commitment to press freedom, operates within a framework of self-regulation and upholds journalistic standards.

Wrapping up its 8th parliamentary session, the National Assembly closed its doors today. Lawmakers will reconvene for the next session on February 6th, 2024, marking a pause in national legislative activities until then.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Professor Peter Katjavivi, expressed heartfelt appreciation to all members for their collective journey during the eighth session. 

He extended wishes for a blessed festive season and a happy, productive 2024 to each member. 

Swapo Party MP in the National Council, Richard !Gaoseb, has tabled a motion in the National Council to address the adverse impact of hubbly bubbly, also known as hooka, on the health and well-being of Namibia's youth.

The proposed debate includes exploring the negative health effects, substance analysis, and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare's role in the prevention of this practice.

!Gaoseb in his address to the National Council, is calling for urgent action.

The Landless People's Movement (LPM) MP Paul Isaak presented a motion for the allocation of land to address the pressing issue of housing for the urban poor and landless citizens in Namibia.

Isaak expressed gratitude for the opportunity to discuss this matter that touches the lives of all Namibians. 

He emphasised housing as a fundamental human right, citing the National Housing Policy and the pivotal role of the National Housing Enterprise in realising this right.

The National Council MPs debated on the second reading featuring the Appropriation Amendment Bill.

The bill solely looks at revising and reallocating resources without changing the total amount of expenditure.

MPs have commended the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises' efforts to curb excessive spending and for recognising the economic strain experienced by all Namibians.

Swapo Member of Parliament, Kletus Karondo, says deaf people face more barriers than other citizens in accessing the criminal justice system.

Karondo contributed to a motion tabled by Deputy Minister of Disability Affairs, Alexia Manombe-Ncube, which seeks to recommend the recognition of Namibian Sign Language as a national language and the appointment of sign language interpreters for live parliamentary debates.