The 8th Parliament kicked off in style on Thursday, ushering in a new crop of lawmakers ready to shake things up in the legislative chambers.
The mood was a mix of anticipation, excitement and political tension as returning heavyweights sized up fresh recruits, while the ruling party’s grip on the House took a new turn.
The day’s events followed a well-rehearsed script, but had its share of defining moments.
Just before 10h00 on that day, Chief Justice Peter Shivute walked into the National Assembly (NA) chambers, clad in his powerful robe, ready to administer the oath of office.
One by one, the 96 Members of Parliament (MPs) stepped forward, hand on the Constitution, pledging to serve the nation with honesty and diligence.
The NA comprises 104 members, with eight non-voting members who were appointed by the Head of State, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. They were also sworn in over the weekend.
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Just after she was sworn in, teacher-turned-lawmaker Ester Haikola-Sakaria pledged to ensure the transformation of the education system and advocate for youth employment. She is from the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement in Parliament, together with five others.
With formalities done, the real battle of electing a new Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the NA began.
The Speaker’s role involves chairing NA meetings, and ensuring orderly discussions and debates. They also represent the NA in all its relations, and are responsible for enforcing the rules of procedure. This individual heads the Legislature, one of the three branches of the State. The deputy speaker assists the Speaker, and presides over sessions in their absence. They also serve as the chairperson of the whole house committee.
In a defining moment for the country’s Legislature, former prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila clinched the Speaker’s position, making history as the first woman to occupy this role.
She secured 55 votes, defeating Landless People’s Movement leader Bernadus Swartbooi, who garnered 40 votes.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has been a member of the National Assembly since 1995, and was minister of finance from 2003 to 2015.
She served as prime minister from 21 March 2015 to 20 March 2025.
New Era reported last December already that Kuugongelwa-Amadhila was earmarked to ascend to the position.
“I am grateful for being elected, despite our political parties’ affiliation. We must prioritise the national interests beyond ours,” Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said as she assumed the seat of Speaker.
Her victory, however, came at a cost for Swapo.
By claiming the Speaker’s chair, the ruling party sacrificed a voting seat, dropping their total from 51. The same happened when Phillipus Katamelo was elected as Deputy Speaker, meaning Swapo now has only 49 voting MPs.
In a House where numbers matter, this could mean tighter debates and a need for strategic alliances. A quorum requires at least 37 voting members.
Katamelo got 54 votes, defeating Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani, who received 41 votes.
Speaking to the media just after the swearing-in of both the Speaker and deputy, Swartbooi said participation in the contest was a demonstration to the nation that they have compatriots who can constitute themselves in positions of responsibility and authority.
“We think we did a wonderful job. We have realised that four people from the opposition sold out, and we have determined which four those are. But generally for us it was a good day, and we gave a good offering of ourselves,” he observed.