15/05/2025
Induction workshop for MPs of the 8th Parliament. Panel Discussion: " The Role of Civil Society in a Constitutional and Parliamentary Democracy" - MPs are encouraged to tap into the expertise of Namibia's civil society.
On the fourth day of the Induction workshop for MPs, EPDN, NamNet, (The Namibian Civil Society Non-State Actors Network) and NID, (the Namibian Institute for Democracy) participated in a panel discussion focusing on the critical role that civil society plays in supporting Parliament's three main functions: lawmaking, representation, and oversight.
Ronny Dempers, representing NamNet , emphasized the importance of collaboration between Parliament and civil society to hold the Executive accountable. He made several key recommendations:
Institutionalize engagement between Parliament and civil society, possibly through a Memorandum of Partnership.
Consider legislative reforms based on lessons learned from over 30 years of parliamentary democracy, particularly focusing on strengthening checks and balances.
Standing Committees in Parliament could benefit from utilizing the expertise and infrastructure that civil society offers.
Parliament should work towards creating an enabling environment for civil society, starting with the approval and implementation of a comprehensive policy framework for civil society engagement.
Naita Hishoono, Director of the Namibian Institute for Democracy (NID), highlighted the diverse contributions of Namibia’s civil society, including the provision of essential social services for people with disabilities, youth, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups, as well as educating citizens nationwide about their constitutional rights, particularly with regard to participating in elections. The NID and other organizations played a crucial role in voter mobilization and election observation. They expect Members of Parliament (MPs) to recognize their responsibility as elected representatives of the people, committed to delivering on their election promises.
Mr Monongwa Sikanda , Deputy Chief National Development Advisor of the National Planning Commission stressed the importance of finalizing the new "Government of the Republic of Namibia (GRN) Civil Society Partnership and Engagement Policy," which is currently in draft form at the NPC. This collaborative effort, involving Civil Society, Parliamentary staff, the NPC, and EPDN, is expected to be presented to Cabinet for approval soon.
The panel discussion was moderated by Barney Karuuombe, Director of the National Council.
