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Sub Saharan Africa

Namibia

 Flag of Namibia

Map of Namibia Last reviewed: 10 March 2009

Country information

Politics

The Namibian Constitution, which came into force in March 1990, provides for a unitary state with a democratic multi-party system, executive power shared between the President and Cabinet, a limit to Presidential tenure of two five-year terms, an elected 72-member National Assembly with a five year term, and a 26-member National Council, composed of two members from each of the 13 Regional Councils, with a six-year term.

SWAPO has dominated Namibian politics since independence. In all post-independence elections (1994, 1999 and 2004), the SWAPO President has consistently taken just over 76% of the vote, while SWAPO has increased its seats in Parliament from 53 in 1994 to 55 in 1999 and 2004, giving it a two-thirds majority. Nujoma handed over to his successor, Hifikepunye Pohamba in March 2005. Pohamba's nearest rival, Ben Ulenga of the CoD won just 7% of the vote. CoD is the main opposition party in the National Assembly but with only 5 seats. The balance of seats is shared by three minor parties. The opposition is crippled by ethnic rivalries. Part of SWAPO's success can be ascribed to its Ovambo support base (the Ovambo represent a fraction over half of the Namibian population). But notwithstanding former President Nujoma’s increasing tendency to stray from the party line when speaking out on various subjects (including sexual orientation and colonialism), Pohamba’s record indicates SWAPO continues along a pragmatic policy course.

BBC Country Information on Namibia

Human rights

Partly as a result of achieving independence relatively late, Namibia's constitution is often regarded as a model of up to date legislation. It includes a list of 'fundamental rights and freedoms', and strictures against discrimination of any kind, as well as provision for independent entities – such as an Ombudsman – to protect human rights. There is a flourishing NGO community involved in political and civic education. But, notwithstanding a relatively benign environment, there are some challenges to human rights in Namibia. Namibia may still be regarded as one of the best-performing countries on human rights in Africa.  Although some concerns persist, the direction of travel is considered positive. Key human rights problems reported in recent years include political intolerance, excessive force by security forces during arrests and detention, lengthy pre-trial detention, long delays during trials, and discrimination against women and indigenous peoples.

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