EDITORIAL: Democracy requires engagement

Parliamentary freedom includes the right to oppose, protest and, in exceptional circumstances, walk out. However, when disengagement repeatedly prevents decisions on institutions central to democracy, a legitimate political tactic risks becoming an obstacle to democratic government.

Opposition MPs have twice left the National Assembly before a vote on Electoral Commission of Namibia nominees, denying the House the 49 voting members required to endorse them. Their concerns about the selection process deserve to be heard, but Parliament is precisely where those objections should be argued, recorded and tested through a vote.

Responsibility does not rest with the opposition alone. Swapo holds 51 voting seats and should be able to form a decision-making quorum without opposition support. Its failure to ensure that enough members attend is equally troubling.

Namibia’s next presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for 2029, followed by regional council and local authority elections in 2030. That may appear distant, but credible elections require years of preparation, stable leadership and public confidence.

MPs are elected to engage, scrutinise and decide. Walking away may send a political message, but repeatedly paralysing Parliament weakens the very democratic space through which disagreements must be resolved. Both sides must return, debate the objections and reach a lawful decision.