Legal System of Namibia

Namibia is located in Africa. It is geographically situated in southern africa, bordering the south atlantic ocean, between angola and south africa. The country achieved independence on 21 march 1990 (from south african mandate). The capital is Windhoek.

Government Overview

Government Type: presidential republic Chief of State: President Netumbo NANDI-NDAITWAH (since 21 March 2025) Head of Government: President Netumbo NANDI-NDAITWAH (since 21 March 2025) Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among members of the National Assembly Administrative Divisions: 14 regions; Erongo, Hardap, //Karas, Kavango East, Kavango West, Khomas, Kunene, Ohangwena, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Zambezi National Holiday: Independence Day, 21 March (1990) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Legal System

The legal system of Namibia is described as mixed system of uncodified civil law based on Roman-Dutch law and customary law International Law: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: adopted 9 February 1990, entered into force 21 March 1990 Amendment Process: passage requires majority vote of the National Assembly membership and of the National Council of Parliament and assent of the president of the republic; if the National Council fails to pass an amendment, the president can call for a referendum; passage by referendum requires two-thirds majority of votes cast; amendments that detract from or repeal constitutional articles on fundamental rights and freedoms cannot be amended, and the requisite majorities needed by Parliament to amend the constitution cannot be changed

Judicial Branch

Highest Court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and at least 3 judges in quorum sessions) Judge Selection: judges appointed by the president of Namibia on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission; judges serve until age 65, but terms can be extended by the president until age 70 Subordinate Courts: High Court; Electoral Court, Labor Court; regional and district magistrates’ courts; community courts

Legislative Branch

The legislative structure consists of bicameral Lower Chamber: National Assembly (104 (96 directly elected; 8 appointed) seats) Electoral System (Lower Chamber): proportional representation Upper Chamber: National Council

Citizenship and Suffrage

Citizenship by Birth: no Citizenship by Descent: at least one parent must be a citizen of Namibia Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Historical Background

Various ethnic groups occupied southwestern Africa prior to Germany establishing a colony over most of the territory in 1884. South Africa occupied the colony, then known as German South West Africa, in 1915 during World War I and administered it as a mandate until after World War II, when it annexed the territory.

This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Namibia based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.