Following the untimely death of President Hage Geingob on the 4th February 2024, Namibia faces a pivotal moment in its political history, raising critical questions about the future direction of the nation.
Namibia, familiar with the experience of loss, confronts an unprecedented event: the death of a sitting president which casts a shadow of uncertainty as the country gears up for elections in November 2024.
Late President Hage Geingob Late President Hage Geingob
The implications extend beyond personal grief, impacting the core of the nation’s democratic processes.
As the nation collectively griefs and comes to terms with its new reality there is understandable concern as to what transpires next for the country.
In the face of such a significant loss, the [law] Namibian Constitution does not wait, initiating the legal process to appoint a new leader and ensure the continuity of governance.
Former Vice President Nangolo Mbumba has now officially assumed the role of Namibia’s fourth President.
This transition occurred following the passing of President Hage Geingob, with Chief Justice, His Lordship Peter Shivute, conducting the swearing-in ceremony.
The fourth president of the Republic of Namibia Left to Right:
President Nangolo Mbumba and Chief Justice, His Lordship, Peter Shivute.
President Nangolo Mbumba is the first Namibian president who did not come to office through election but, rather, followed constitutional provisions in assuming the position.
What Namibia is currently experiencing, the United States has encountered before. Since the establishment of the U.S. presidency in 1789, 45 people have been president. Eight (8) of them died while in office. Each time, the vice president took over.
In Africa, names like Muammar Gaddafi of Libya (October 20, 2011), Michael Sata of Zambia (October 28, 2014), Bingu wa Mutharika of Malawi (April 5, 2012), Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia (August 20, 2012), and Idriss Deby of Chad (April 20, 2021) have all faced similar situations.
Following the swearing-in of the newly appointed President, citizens have taken to social media to express their pride in the swift and seamless transition to a new leader.
We may still be discovering our identity as a young democracy, but one Namibian identity that is crystal clear is that we are peace loving people who believe in the rule of law and the sanity of our institutions. May we always preserve this precious Namibian character ????????????????
— Maximalliant T. Katjimune (@Max_Katjimune) February 5, 2024
The Constitution of Namibia is the supreme law of Namibia as per Article 1(6).
This means that all laws and persons in Namibia are subject to the constitution.
Furthermore, the constitution outlines the principles and guidelines that govern Namibia’s political processes, including the procedures to be followed in times of presidential transition.
In an interview with Afterbreak Magazine, political analyst Rui Tyitende and legal pundit Fedden Mainga Mukwata clarified the constitutional intricacies surrounding the transition.
Political Analyst: Rui Tyitende Legal Pundit: Fedden Mainga Mukwata
As outlined in Article 34, the order of succession dictates that (a) the Vice President; (b) the Prime Minister; and (c) the Deputy Prime Minister shall be appointed in that sequence to act as President for the remaining portion of the President’s term of office.
Tyitende clarifies the constitutional intricacies, stating, “the constitution clearly states that presidential elections are only to be held within 90 days of the office of the president becoming vacant, if said vacancy occurs more than one year before scheduled presidential elections.”
The crucial question to be asked here is whether the death occurred more than or not more than one (1) year before the date on which presidential elections are required to be held.
Mukwata, an admitted legal practitioner of the Supreme Court supported this by stating, “it is not clear exactly when elections will be held this year, but according to an advertisement by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), “The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), in accordance with its mandate under the Electoral Act, Act No. 5 of 2014, will be conducting a General Registration of Voters and subsequently Presidential and National Assembly Elections scheduled for later in the year 2024.”
He further states that this means that regardless of the exact date on which presidential elections will be held, it will be this year, and therefore, the death has occurred not more than one (1) year before such date, bringing into application the provisions of Article 29(4)(a): The vacancy shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of Article 34.
Tyitende endorsed this assertion by stating, “therefore, as provided for by Article 34, His Excellency Dr. Nangolo Mbumba will succeed the late president for the remainder of his unexpired term, until presidential elections take place as scheduled and a new president is inaugurated on March 21, 2025.”
Following the death of President Hage Geingob and the subsequent swearing-in of President Nangolo Mbumba, there’s been a constitutional change in Namibia with key appointments.
President Nangolo Mbumba, has adhered to the constitutional process by appointing the new Vice President to take up the vacant position.
This constitutional progression has ushered in a historic moment as Honorable Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who previously held positions as Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, and Deputy Prime Minister, becomes Namibia’s first female Vice President.
Vice President: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Vice President: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
However, the constitutional landscape brings attention to Article 28, which prohibits the Vice President from concurrently holding the roles of Minister of International Relations and Deputy Prime Minister.
As a result, Tyitende asserts, “these positions are now vacant as Article 28 of the Constitution is unambiguous about the person appointed to the position of Vice President.”
Article 28(2A) outlines that the Vice President shall: (d) not at the same time be the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, a Minister, or any other office bearer in the Government of Namibia.
Namibia finds itself at a crossroads following the untimely death of President Hage Geingob.
The constitutional provisions, meticulously designed to address such transitions, have been set into motion, ensuring the continuity of governance.
Former Vice President Nangolo Mbumba now assumes the role of Namibia’s fourth President, marking a historic moment as the first leader who did not come to office through election but, instead, followed constitutional provisions.
As the nation collectively mourns its late leader, it moves forward with a renewed commitment to upholding the values enshrined in its supreme law – the Constitution of Namibia.