EDITORIAL: When parliamentarians earn their salary

It’s rare that politicians earn public praise - and rarer still when they deserve it. But last Wednesday, Namibia’s lawmakers pulled an all-nighter, debating the national budget until 5 a.m. And for once, it felt like the people’s house was truly at work for the people.This is what happens when youthful energy meets a balanced legislature. The current parliament, devoid of a single-party supermajority, has given rise to a new political culture - one of grit, accountability, and, perhaps most importantly, competition.Gone are the days when Swapo could unilaterally call time on proceedings, knowing that no opposition bench could mount a meaningful resistance. Today’s arithmetic in the National Assembly demands presence, engagement, and debate. Even chronic truants now risk tipping the scales on crucial votes - a reality that has jolted some into action.We are also witnessing something rare and refreshing: lawmakers treating the national budget not as a box to be ticked but as a document to be dissected. Line by line, policy by policy, Namibian MPs are beginning to ask the hard questions - and expecting real answers.The motivations may vary. For some, it is sincere public service. For others, it may be the sobering reality that in this new political terrain, apathy carries a cost. Frankly, the Namibian people don’t care. What matters is that parliament is finally starting to look like a chamber of consequence, not a theatre of privilege.Democracy cannot survive if its most sacred institutions are reduced to rubber stamps or retirement homes.Let this moment not be an anomaly. Let it set a precedent. The people are watching - and for the first time in a long time, some are even impressed.

EDITORIAL: When parliamentarians earn their salary

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-08-20

Please login to leave a comment

EDITORIAL: When parliamentarians earn their salary

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-08-20

Please login to leave a comment

Login