A validation workshop on the review of the parliamentary standing rules, orders, internal arrangements and committee rules commenced at Swakopmund in the Erongo Region on Monday.

Officially opening the five-day workshop, National Assembly Speaker Peter Katjavivi said Members of Parliament (MPs) will be involved in reviewing and updating the parliamentary rules to ensure that legislative processes are efficient, transparent, and in line with the evolving needs of the electorate and the nation at large.

He said the legislation’s obligation is to ensure that citizens receive the best services possible and therefore the operations, rules and procedures must be aligned to the smooth execution of their mandate as the legislature.

“The purpose of the workshop is to create room for members to meaningfully engage in ensuring that the output captures all the aspirations of our Parliament in that direction,” the speaker said.

The validation workshop is meant to discuss the rules and procedures for debates, motions, voting and the internal arrangements of the parliamentary committee to help improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the legislative process.

Katjavivi advised the participants to remain open-minded and share a commitment to improving parliamentary procedures for the benefit of all Namibians.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency