The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) MP, Maximalliant Katjimune, opposed the Public Gatherings and Processions Bill during its second reading, saying the bill directly contradicts Chapter Three of the Namibian Constitution, which guarantees the right to peacefully assemble.

Opposing the bill, Katjimune quoted the constitution, which states that all have the right to assemble peacefully and without arms, as well as the right to freedom of association, including forming or joining political parties, trade unions, or other groups.

The mover of the bill, Dr. Albert Kawana, argued that members of parliament who opposed it did so only because they were not present in the chamber when he proposed amendments to it.

He said he would revisit those amendments on Wednesday next week, urging those members to be present then.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Professor Peter Katjavivi, suggested an alternative arrangement, that the bill be brought to the committee stage for further discussion, arguing that revisiting Kawana's amendments would only serve to disrupt the workflow on the order paper.