March for constitution Augetto Graig Tomorrow, 12 August, a Namibia civil society coalition calling itself ‘My Constitution, My Decision,’ will lead a protest demonstration at Parliament in Windhoek from 13h00, in opposition to a host of constitutional changes being championed by Swapo president-elect Hage Geingob, presidential affairs minister Albert Kawana, and the chairperson of the Legal Reform Development Commission (LRDC) Sacky Shangala. On Monday members representing leading civil society organisations in Namibia participating in the protest met with the media at the head offices of the Namibia Non-Governmental Organisations Forum (Nangof), calling on all conscientious Namibians to take part in the event and stop the slew of changes expected to be forced through Parliament tomorrow. The coalition enjoys the support of Citizens for an Accountable and Transparent Society (CATS), the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), the Legal Assistance Centre (LAC), the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and Namrights. Nangof board chairman Sandy Tjaronda explained that on 7 August, when the amendments were first introduced to the public to be tabled for this first time in Parliament, the coalition launched its campaign calling for mass consultation and the withdrawal of the amendments until at least 2015. With over forty constitutional changes proposed, including the creation of a vice-presidency, a substantial increase in the size of the legislature and extension of the powers of the president, Tjaronda described the changes as having far-reaching implications for all Namibians. Among the most outspoken of campaign supporters, Phil ya Nangolo of Namrights said that the proposed amendments are unconstitutional and not in the public interest. Natasha Tibinyane of Misa joined ya Nangolo in accusing government of deliberately withholding information about the amendments from the greater Namibian public to facilitate and ease their enactment. Tibinyane also questioned the legality of the LRDC which term of office expired last year. According to Anya Links of Sister Namibia, “the proposed changes can have far-reaching effects on, not only the composition of our legislature and government, but on the life of every citizen.” She also said that, “it is important to note, however, that ordinary citizens and civil society were not informed or consulted on the proposed amendments.” Graham Hopwood of the IPPR stressed the consequences of increasing Parliament member numbers by 40% and extending executive powers as well as the legacy of these amendments which, “now could create an open door for constitutional changes in future,” he said. The organisation has not yet been able to secure permission from Nampol for the protest but is regarded to go ahead regardless.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 16:28:53 +0000
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