Parliament consists of two Houses called the National Assembly and National Council. Each House has its own distinct role and functions, as set out in the Constitution. In the national sphere of government, the legislative power of the Republic is vested in Parliament. In other words, Parliament is responsible for making and passing laws.

In addition the National Council must ensure that regional interests are taken into account in the national sphere of government. It does that by taking part in the law-making process and by being the forum where issues affecting the regions are debated publicly. 

Background to the Namibian Parliament

The first free and fair elections in Namibia were held in November 1989 under supervision of the United Nations as provided for in UN Security Council Resolution 435 of 1978. The Resolution called for the withdrawal of South Africa's illegal administration of Namibia and the transfer of power to its people. Following the democratic election from 7 to 11 November 1989, a 72 member Constituent Assembly was constituted.

The Constituent Assembly law of 6 November 1989, issued by the last South African appointed Administrator-General for the former South-West Africa, Mr. Louis Pienaar, entrusted members of the newly elected Constituent Assembly with four tasks:

To draft a constitution and adopt it by a two thirds majority of its members

To select a date for independance

To formally declare independance and;

To form a government in accordance with the new constitution

The Constituent Assembly, chaired by Mr. Hage Geingob, met for the first time on 21 November 1989. The Constituent Assembly unanimously adopted the Namibian Constitution on 9 February 1990. This day is known as Constitution Day, but is not a public holiday.

The Constituent Assembly Members, with some changes through resignations and the addition of six non-voting members appointed by the President, became the founding Members of the first National Assembly on 21 March 1990.

The Namibian Parliamentary system is bi-cameral consisting of the National Assembly and the National Council. Hence, it was incomplete until the National Council was established in 1992. The first Regional Councils Election was held from November 30 to 3 December 1992. The National Council was inaugurated on 23 February 1993 by His Excellency, President Sam Nujoma.