In Namibia, political analysts and some members of parliament are warning that proposed legislative changes related to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's authority could lead to an unprecedented centralization of power in the presidency. The contentious petroleum exploration and production amendment bill currently under debate in parliament aims to transfer specific powers from the minister of industries, mines and energy directly to the president. Critics argue that this movement could erode democratic structures and oversight, creating the possibility for executive overreach.

As part of these proposed changes, Nandi-Ndaitwah revealed last year that the petroleum upstream unit will now become part of her office. If the bill is approved, she would attain complete control over this sector, which raises concerns regarding accountability and the separation of powers in government. During parliamentary discussions, Landless People's Movement leader Bernadus Swartbooi highlighted a related regional council amendment bill that also seeks to consolidate authority by transferring powers from regional councils to governors and ultimately to the presidency. This trajectory, he warns, might lead to the presidency overseeing 14 regional councils, drastically altering the governance framework.

These developments have significant implications for Namibia's democratic integrity and institutional checks and balances. Analysts are calling for vigilance and transparency as these bills progress, stressing the need for citizens and lawmakers to actively engage in discussions about potential overreach and the safeguarding of democratic principles. The outcome of these legislative changes could reshape the political landscape in Namibia, focusing authority in ways that have not been seen before in the nation's governance.