Opuwo, Kunene Region | 21–25 July 2025
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Constitutional, Legal Affairs and Petitions concluded a week-long stakeholder consultation mission in Opuwo, Kunene Region, aimed at strengthening parliamentary oversight through meaningful dialogue with various government Offices, Ministries, and Agencies in the constitutional and legal fraternity.
These consultations form part of the Committee’s 2025 work programme in line with its constitutional mandate to oversee institutions operating within the legal and constitutional sector, the committee held extensive engagements with various stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), the Office of the Prosecutor General, the Attorney General’s Office, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Judiciary.
In her opening remarks, Hon. Sirkka Ausiku, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee, welcomed participants to what she described as the beginning of a shared journey between Parliament and its stakeholders, she underscored the importance of the engagements in fulfilling the Committee’s constitutional and legislative obligations and further outlined the objectives of the week-long consultations, noting that the Committee seeks to oversee the implementation of constitutional provisions and laws, engage institutions and communities on matters of justice, governance, and human rights, and emphasized that this interaction is a critical component in ensuring that Parliament’s oversight strengthens democracy, transparency, and accountability across Namibia. “We are here to listen to your presentations and engage you to understand your mandate, the challenges you face, and the areas where support or reforms may be required,” Hon. Ausiku told participants.
The Office of the Prosecutor General, represented by Advocate Licious Matota, emphasized the Prosecutor General’s accountability to the public, highlighting the crucial role that public prosecutors play in implementing legislation. He also expressed concerns about systemic challenges within the profession. Representing the Office of the Attorney General, Ms. Nepembe elaborated on the office’s functions and highlighted the urgent need for structural reforms. Key concerns raised included staffing shortages, the absence of a comprehensive case management system, and the importance of strengthening the independence of the Attorney General’s Office to enhance efficiency and service delivery. She also noted plans to launch nationwide client engagement and education campaigns to address recurring legal challenges. Ms. Ingrid Husselmann, representing the Ombudsman’s Office, presented a detailed overview of the institution’s mandate and operational challenges. She emphasized the need for stronger legislative support to empower the Ombudsman’s office to carry out its functions effectively.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia, led by its Chairperson, Dr. Elsie Nghikembua, alongside other commissioners and Director Mr. Peter Shaama. Mr Shaama emphasized the challenges faced by the ECN, particularly regarding the publication of audited financial reports by political parties represented in Parliament. Other key issues discussed included the integrity of the voters’ roll, determination of polling stations, civic and voter education, and compliance with the Electoral Act and constitutional provisions. The session concluded with a site visit to the ECN regional office in Opuwo. Additionally, the committee also visited the Opuwo Magistrate Court, where they were welcomed by Chief Magistrate Eden Amutenya and briefed on the operational environment. Executive Director of the Judiciary, Mr. Benhardt Kukuri, led the delegation, providing insight into current initiatives aimed at improving access to justice and service delivery in the region.
The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening constitutional and legal institutions across the country and outcomes of these engagements will be compiled into a report to be tabled in Parliament when it resumes in September 2025, additionally, is highlights will inform discussions on necessary legislative reforms aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of agencies operating under Namibia’s constitutional and legal framework.
