The National Assembly has launched a new law tracking system designed to monitor the progress of legislation from its introduction in parliament until it is either approved or rejected. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize and enhance the efficiency of parliamentary operations.
Professor Peter Katjavivi, the Speaker of the National Assembly, emphasized that this development aligns with the Agenda for Change, which seeks to improve the functionality of Parliament. He referenced the e-parliament strategy for 2022-2027, launched on December 15, 2022, which envisions a parliament that leverages technology to better serve the Namibian people. The strategy aims to streamline parliamentary processes and enhance its capacity to fulfill core functions effectively.
In addition to the bill tracking system, Parliament has introduced a new ICT policy and a mobile app. These tools are intended to facilitate easier access to information about laws and other important updates for both members of Parliament and the public. Professor Katjavivi highlighted that these changes will promote greater transparency and public engagement in the legislative process.
Federico Berna, the Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Namibia, commended the initiative, noting its significance in bridging the gap between Parliament and citizens. He stressed that the digital transformation in governance and law-making is a global trend, and the Namibian Parliament's commitment to this shift is commendable. The initiative, supported by the European Union, aims to ensure that all Namibians can easily access and engage with the legislative process.