The National Assembly has failed to adopt the report on Namibia’s response to the Draft Protocol on the SADC Parliament due to a lack of quorum.

The report, tabled by Deputy Speaker Phillipus Katamelo, outlines Namibia’s review of the protocol that seeks to transform the SADC Parliamentary Forum into a regional parliament with consultative and deliberative powers.

Katamelo stated that Namibia, as the host country of the SADC Parliamentary Forum Secretariat, has a special responsibility to ensure that the protocol is legally sound and aligned with national interests, while promoting democracy and regional integration.

The Committee on Standing Rules and Orders, and Internal Arrangement proposed several amendments to strengthen the protocol, including clarifying representation, enhancing financial transparency and including indigenous languages to promote inclusivity.