Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698836840865.pdf (Namibia)
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEDIA RELEASE (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE) 3 February 2022 Windhoek, Namibia OFFICIAL OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, 2022 In keeping with the provisions of Rule 15 of the Standing Rules and Orders, His Excellency Dr. Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia, will officially open the Fifth Session of the Seventh Parliament on Tuesday 8 February, at 14h30.
Due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, and in line with relevant health protocols, Parliament is, once again this year, inclined to scale down on the activities that are normally associated with this opening ceremony.

Traditional activities associated with this event will therefore not be observed this year.

This means that: • • • No military procession and the ceremonies associated with it will take place.

No guests will be invited, and no reception will be hosted.
No cultural and school-children’s performances will take place.

Arrangements inside the Chamber will be limited to only fifty-four (54) Members on the floor of the House, exclusive of the presidential entourage, the Chief Justice as well as the three uniformed service Chiefs.

The rest of the Members will be hosted in the gallery as per Parliament’s COVID19 mitigation strategy.
This important annual event on the calendar of the Republic brings together under one roof the three Organs of the State, namely the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.

The following are some of the Bills that will potentially be tabled during the Parliament sessions of 2022: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.


Combating of Rape Amendment Bill Combating of Domestic Violence Amendment Bill High Court Amendment Bill Magistrates’ Courts’ Amendment Bill Divorce Bill Torture Bill Ombudsman Bill Obsolete Laws Bill 1 Child Justice Bill Repeal of Administration of Estates Amendment Bill 9.

10.

11.

Marriage Bill 12.

Uniform Matrimonial Property Regime Bill (red Line Marriages Bill) 13.

14.

15.

16.
14.

15.

16.

Metrology Bill Civil Registrations Bill Public Procurement Amendment Bill Property Valuers Amendment Bill Take note that these Bills are projected to be tabled in the National Assembly during the 2022 legislative year.

However, this is dependent on their finalization by the Ministry of Justice.
During the course of next week, the National Assembly will consider the “Draft Rules on Virtual Meetings.” These rules will enable the National Assembly and its Committees to meet virtually if the need arises under the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the National Assembly is currently able to meet in line with the regulations on the prevention of the spread of COVID-19, the Virtual Rules will strengthen our endeavors in this regard and complement the process of an e-Parliament.
The National Assembly would hereby also like to remind members of the public that all Bills for discussion in the National Assembly emanate from the Executive, which has the constitutional responsibility and mandate to propose laws for the effective administration of the Government.
This means that if no Bill is forthcoming from the Executive, neither the National Assembly, nor the Speaker, can initiate any legislation, unless Members themselves make use of Article 60 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia, which reads “that a private members’ bill may be introduced in the National Assembly if supported by one-third of all the members of the National Assembly”.
Media practitioners who wish to attend and cover the Opening of Parliament are kindly advised to adhere to the COVID-19 preventative measures, and at all times display their updated MICT accreditation badges.
Due to the current prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, the public is hereby informed and advised to follow the live-stream of the official opening ceremony as well as all sessions of the National Assembly on the parliament’s Facebook or YouTube pages at “Parliament of the Republic of Namibia,” starting at 14h30, Tuesdays to Thursdays.
Please take note that Robert Mugabe Avenue and Love Street (around the Parliament Gardens) might be closed-off to the public and traffic between 13h00 and 17h00 on the 8 February 2022.

For enquiries, contact: David Nahogandja Public Relations Officer - National Assembly Tel: (061) 288 2583 Cell: 081 242 3118 d.nahogandja@parliament.na 2