The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has rejected the position of Leader of the Office of the Official Opposition in Parliament, saying the role is unconstitutional and without legal basis.
Speaking at the announcement of the party's shadow cabinet, IPC's President Panduleni Itula made it clear that the party will take a different approach to opposition politics.
He said that instead of assuming the traditional opposition leadership role, the party's parliamentary representatives will function as an ultimate accountability committee, acting as a shadow cabinet to scrutinize government actions.
"The purpose of this statement is to address and critically analyze the so-called Office of the Official Opposition in Namibia, a position that has been treated as if it's an official public office despite having no legal foundation, beginning with the Namibian constitution and extending to the relevant structures; it will demonstrate that the Namibian constitution does not establish that office, titled 'Leader of the Office the Official Opposition,' as administrative, ceremonial, and symbolic, rather than lawful."
Dr. Itula said opposition is not merely tolerated but is seen as a vital element in shaping governance.
He stated that effective opposition can help the government avoid mistakes and improve policymaking for the benefit of all Namibians.
"Modern democracy is not built through majority rule. It is a political system that combines the leadership and responsibility of governments with fundamental rights, the rule of law, checks and balances, impartial administration, and means of participatory engagement and open-party discussion among our people and those who represent us."
He further stated that while the governing majority holds decision-making power, the presence of a strong and capable opposition ensures that minority voices are heard.
While other MPs have also been assigned the responsibility to shadow ministers, the party's National General Secretary has been announced as the shadow Prime Minister, while parliamentarian Rodney Cloete was announced as the international relations minister.