The National Assembly suddenly shifted into active gear this week, four weeks after members returned from the winter recess. Virtually no substantial work was done since mid-August and 3 times sessions were cut short, as there was no quorum.

On 15 October, business is over in the Chamber because the election campaigns will start.

It seems that a lot of work could be labelled „unfinished business". The odd situation this week saw ministers give notice that 13 new Bills would still be introduced and the Speaker had to ask the minister of justice to draw up a priority list, which he presented on Wednesday.

This was to no avail as the Minister of Lands, Hifikepunye Pohamba, who is also the SWAPO presidential candidate wanted his Bill, which was listed as No. 9 to be the first one introduced. The proposed Bill to provide for the payment of a pension, gratuity and other benefits to "former presidents of Namibia and their families", to be introduced this week, now only is No 10 on the "priority list". The very important draft legislation on the combating of organised crime and the Bill for the protection, conservation and management of water resources is also waiting for introduction. The Bill will provide for the establishment of a Water Advisory Council, a Water Regulatory Board and a Water Tribunal.

The additional budget must also be tabled. However, it might only be introduced in December after the elections or only in January 2005, a source from the secretariat at Parliamentary told PLUS.

Although many observers declare that all is quiet on the elections front, activity will certainly pick up in two weeks time: 6 October is closing date for independent candidates to register with the Election Commission. Political parties will submit their lists of candidates for the National Assembly, presidential and regional council elections on 8 October.

The elections in November are very interesting, since not only President Nujoma is „stepping down" from office (although he is to stay on as President of the Swapo-Party). A number of politicians is about to call it a day. There is even talk of a shift in generations, not only in the majority party, but also in the ranks of opposition groups. A daily reported this week that the Director of Elections (Phillemon Kanime) himself wanted to become a Member of Parliament, but then he lost out during the preliminary race in the Khomas Region. Swapo will submit a list of candidates after the party‘s electoral convention in early October.

This weekend, the RP will hold a congress. Other parties will certainly prepare their lists before cut-off dates.