FUNCTIONS OF PARLIAMENT

The Parliament of Namibia consists of the National Assembly and the National Council, together forming the Legislature arm of Government.

Parliament is the law making body of the Namibian government and it is responsible for the allocation of money needed by the executive for its various services and exercises an oversight role over the government. The Parliament of Namibia is a bicameral system consisting of two houses: the 72 voting member National Assembly, elected for a term of five years on the basis of proportional representation, plus an additional six nonvoting members appointed by the president. 

The National Council was formed in accordance with chapter eight of the Namibian Constitution, on February 1993, after the regional elections held in November 1992. The Regional Councils Act, Act 22 of 1992 is a result of a Constitutional provision. The National Council consist of 26-members, elected for a term of six years, from each of the 13 geographic regions. The National Council reviews bills passed by the National Assembly and recommends legislation on matters of regional concern for submission to and consideration by the National Assembly. Article 63 and 74 of the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia clearly outlines the wide ranging functions and powers of the two Houses of Parliament.

The Constitution furthermore empowers Parliament to establish a Namibian Police and Defence Force, the commanders of which are appointed by the President. The Police Act (Act 20 of 1990), to amend the Defence Act (Act 44 of 1957) are the result of a Constitutional provision.