13. ARTICLE 11: THE RIGHT TO ASSEMBLE FREELY Article 21 (1) (d) of the Namibian Constitution provides for freedom to assemble peacefully and without arms. Government is considering a new Bill to regulate public gatherings in terms of the recommendations of the Law Reform and Development Commission. The provisions of the Proclamation are also applicable to election campaigning, religious gatherings, celebrations and other demonstrations. It also gives the police powers to place conditions on gatherings and to disperse riots. The police have no powers to unreasonably refuse permission to assemble peacefully. All persons in Namibia enjoy the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and to demonstrate. 14. ARTICLE 12 AND ARTICLE 23: FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT, REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKER Freedom of movement is restricted, but allowed if permits are obtained. It is a protection measure and a controlled manner of providing basic needs. Voluntary repatriation of Angolan refugees started in May 2012; there were approximately 8 300 refugees and asylum seekers resident in Namibia. Since the voluntary repatriation programme started for Angolan refugees, 2 852 Angolan refugees were repatriated. In addition to these, 3 Rwandese and 4 Burundian refugees were also repatriated voluntarily. The Angolan refugees represent 75% of the refugee population. 15. ARTICLE 13: DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNANCE Government business is conducted through the Executive, the President and Cabinet whose members are drawn from Parliament. The Executive is responsible for the daily management of the affairs of the State in the public interest. Article 27 (2) of the Namibian Constitution provides for an executive Presidency, with the President as the head of State and head of Government. There are three layers of Government namely: the central Government consists of the President and Cabinet of Ministers; the Regional Councils8 and local authorities of which are 16 municipalities, 17 town councils and 18 village councils. 8 For purposes of administration and providing Government services to the people, Namibia has fourteen Regional Governments that administer the development plans and oversee the implementation thereof in the regions. - 33 -