Parliament condemns LPM's disorderly behaviour

ELLANIE SMITWINDHOEKParliament says it will not condone bad behaviour by members, who are supposed to maintain the highest standards of integrity and respect.This follows the events of last week when chaos erupted in parliament after President Hage Geingob delivered his State of the Nation Address.The leader of the Landless People's Movement (LPM), Bernardus Swartbooi, and his deputy Henny Seibeb, were removed from the chamber for being disruptive.Lydia Kandetu, secretary of the National Assembly, said the matter would be dealt with by the Privileges Committee in accordance with the provisions of the standing rules and orders.“Both members acted dishonourably by disrespecting the authority of the legislature by grabbing the mace of the House from the Speaker's rostrum, a symbol of the power and authority of the legislature, as well as tearing apart an important national document. This behaviour is totally unacceptable especially from members of parliament,” the statement reads. Disruptive Kandetu said after Geingob's address the floor was opened for questions to the president.Geingob proceeded to respond to the first round of questions posed.However, during this process, there were continuous interjections by Swartbooi and Seibeb.“The Speaker (Peter Katjavivi) repeatedly called for order in the House and called on the two members to maintain the decorum of the House as they kept on contravening Rule 116 and 118 of the standing rules and orders,” Kandetu said. Dragged out She said Swartbooi and Seibeb still did not adhere to the rules, which resulted in Katjavivi seeking the assistance of the Sergeant at Arms in escorting the two members out.She said upon the intervention of the Sergeant at Arms, the two members still refused to leave the chamber.“Therefore Rule 113 came into force as a final resort and the members of the Parliamentary Protection Services (PPS) came into the House to reinforce the Sergeant at Arms in implementing the ruling of the Speaker by removing the two members. Session adjourned She said because of this unfortunate incident the session degenerated into total disorder.Therefore, Katjavivi was forced to apply Rule 115 to adjourn the session.The rule states: “In the event of grave disorder as a whole the Speaker may adjourn the Assembly without the question put, or suspend any sitting for a period to be stated by him/her.”Kandetu further said the presiding officers have the responsibility to protect members of the House and ensure that their rights are guaranteed.“It is regrettable that the two members impinged upon the rights of all the members who wanted to ask their questions to the president, but were unable to do so.”

Parliament condemns LPM's disorderly behaviour

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-07

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Parliament condemns LPM's disorderly behaviour

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-07

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