Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has been elected as speaker of the National Assembly for five years after new members’ swearing-in. She faces Bernadus Swartbooi from LPM, who was nominated by IPC. Despite potential perceptions of demotion, her election as the first female speaker is a historic milestone.
Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has been elected as the speaker of the National Assembly for a five-year term. Her election occurred following the swearing-in of new National Assembly members on Thursday.
Job Amupanda, the Affirmative Repositioning leader, nominated Swapo parliamentarian Elijah Ngurare for the speaker’s role; however, Ngurare declined. Meanwhile, Imms Nashinge of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) proposed Bernadus Swartbooi from the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), setting the stage for a contest between Amadhila and Swartbooi.
A prominent figure since 1995, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila previously served as Namibia’s Minister of Finance from 2003 to 2015. She has also held the position of Prime Minister from March 21, 2015, to March 20, 2025, becoming the first woman to occupy that role.
Despite perceptions that her new position may represent a demotion, her election as speaker is significant as she becomes the first female leader of Namibia’s parliament, marking another historic achievement in her political career.
Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila’s election as speaker of the National Assembly highlights her longstanding political influence and historical significance as the first woman in this role. Although some may view her position as a shift from Prime Minister, it reflects her continued leadership in Namibian politics. Her experience and previous roles suggest she will bring a wealth of knowledge to parliament’s leadership.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
