Final report : Namibia -- consolidating parliamentary democracy in Namibia : expanding legislative capacity inside and outside of parliament -- USAID co-operative agreement no. 690-A-00-98-00228-00 : September 1, 1998 to December 31, 2000

The project was phase two of a three-phase program (1995-2002). Activities focused on developing and refining institutional structures and procedures to establish an efficient, transparent, independent, and accountable parliament. In 1998, NDI expanded its program to include assistance to civil society organizations (CSOs) in order to enhance public access to public policy formulation. Activities during this 2-year program covered five areas: parliament, civil society, public policy issues, the media, and gender. This two-year period saw important advances in the professional structures, legislative procedures, and public participation in parliament. The Namibian parliament is independent, open, publicly accessible, and a forum for critical debate. It is not "a rubber stamp", but a model of African parliamentary governance that is stimulating a democratic environment and a commitment to the ideals of the constitution, regarded as one of the most liberal democratic constitutions in the world. These advances were made at a period in time in which Namibia experienced several conflicts, which in other societies would have promoted democratic regression, such as is occurring in Zimbabwe. It is possible that the parliament and its democratic mechanisms provided a release for the pressure points. For example, the military engagement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was questioned and debated on many occasions in parliament. This did not occur in any other parliament in the region; only South Africa came close. The constitutional amendment to allow the president to seek a third term was publicly debated at all levels of civil society in parliament. When the ruling party split over the issue, it brought to light a significant issue for full public view. The HIV/AIDS pandemic has been central to parliamentary debate and questioning of the executive. In contrast to the practice in other countries in the region, cabinet ministers are responsive to parliamentary inquiries. Contrary to forecasts of autocracy if the ruling party strengthened its majority in 1999 elections, the SWAPO party has returned to parliament with a constitutional majority and has not moved to revise the constitution or abandon the rule of law. In sum, Namibia"s democracy has institutionalized the tenets of democratic programs. The regional audits illustrated that after 10 years of independence, Namibians recognize parliament as the branch of government through which to express their views and influence policy. NDI implemented the program under a co-operative agreement with parliament and in collaboration with a Project Advisory Committee composed of distinguished Namibians. NDI"s role in Namibia continues to be defined by the practical implementation of parliament"s own Agenda for Change. NDI works in close concert with the parliament and Namibian organizations to help parliament fulfill its potential as an independent branch of government, with emphasis on organizational and development training skills for staff to better serve members of parliament (MPs); development of effective committee structures in both houses; clearer definitions of roles and responsibilities of both chambers and their members; and establishment of a proactive information and research center. (Author abstract, modified)