Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has been elected as Speaker of Namibia’s National Assembly for a five-year term. She faced off against Bernadus Swartbooi, who was nominated by Imms Nashinge. This appointment is historic as she becomes the first woman to lead the parliament, despite her previous role as Namibia’s prime minister. Her election reflects her longstanding involvement in the National Assembly since 1995.
Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has been elected as the Speaker of the National Assembly for a five-year term. This election followed the swearing-in ceremony for new National Assembly members on Thursday. Notably, Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda nominated Swapo parliamentarian Elijah Ngurare for the position, but he declined. Subsequently, Imms Nashinge from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) nominated Bernadus Swartbooi from the Landless People’s Movement to contest against Amadhila.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has been a prominent member of the National Assembly since 1995 and served as the Minister of Finance from 2003 to 2015. As Namibia’s prime minister from 21 March 2015 to 20 March 2025, she was the first woman to hold that office. While her recent appointment as Speaker may appear to be a step down, it is significant as she becomes the first woman to lead Namibia’s parliament, marking another historic milestone.
The election of Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila as Speaker of the National Assembly signifies a remarkable achievement in Namibian politics, particularly as she is the first woman to lead the parliament. Despite the perception of her role as a possible demotion, her extensive experience and historical significance in the nation’s government continue to greatly influence her leadership.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
