When Namibians head to the polls on Wednesday, they will join three other Southern African countries that held their elections this year. Botswana recently elected President Duma Boko, who ousted the Botswana Democratic Party, which had been in power since the country’s independence in 1966.
South Africa’s African National Congresssaw a steep decline in support in May, falling below 50 percent for the first time since it assumed power in 1994. The party’s leader, Cyril Ramaphosa, called on all political parties to form a Government of National Unity.
In Mozambique,people have been protesting the outcome of the country’s October 9 elections, in which FRELIMO’s Daniel Chapo was declared the winner by a 71 percent margin.
As the lens shifts to Namibia, there are questions about whether the country would stick with the South West Africa People’s Organization, which has ruled since the country’s independence from South Africa in 1990, or go with one of thefour other parties contesting this year.
On the ground, the issues Namibians are concerned about echo throughout the region – lack of employment opportunities, a failing public health system, corruption and more. We spoke to a few Namibians to get their thoughts on the upcoming elections and learn about their hopes and fears.
Kalistu Ramos Mukoroli, 42, PR specialist
Photo courtesy of Kalistu Ramos Mukoroli.
Kalistu Ramos Mukoroli is proud of his country’s breathtaking landscapes, but thinks that corruption should be dealt with.
OkayAfrica: What makes you proud to be a Namibian?
Kalistu Ramos Mukoroli: I am proud of Namibia’s breathtaking landscapes, such as the Namib Desert, and the vibrant cultural diversity that unites its people. Our history of resilience and independence also fills me with pride.
If you could change one thing about the country, what would it be? Why?
I would address corruption and ensure those who waste resources or exploit the system are held accountable. This change would ensure fairness, better resource distribution, and development for all Namibians, especially regarding access to land and opportunities.
What is the biggest challenge facing young Namibians today? How can it be overcome?
Youth unemployment and insufficient funding for entrepreneurial ventures are the biggest challenges. To address these issues, the government and the private sector should collaborate to offer young people funding opportunities, skills development programs, and support systems. Furthermore, involving youth in the policymaking process would help create solutions better suited to their needs.
What are your hopes for the forthcoming elections?
I hope for free and fair elections that reflect the people’speople’s will. A smooth and positive transition in government, where new leaders focus on addressing corruption and creating opportunities for all, would be ideal.
What are your fears for the forthcoming elections?
I fear the potential for unrest, manipulation, or a lack of transparency in the electoral process. Such issues could undermine trust in the system and hinder progress toward a more equitable and accountable government.
Ndemufayo Kaxuxuena, 37, Self-employed in the creative sector
Photo courtesy of Ndemufayo Kaxuxuena.
Ndemufayo Kaxuxuena thinks that Namibians have given SWAPO too much power.
What makes you proud to be a Namibian?
Ndemufayo Kaxuxuena: What makes me proud is Namibia’s proud history, diversity, peace and stability, and tolerance towards different ethnicities. I think Namibia is the true definition of what a democracy should be like. We are very tolerant and caring towards each other. I’m proud to have the ability to participate in the economy without worrying about things like apartheid.
If you could change one thing about the country, what would it be? Why?
It’s the arrogance of the ruling party. We’ve given them so much power that they take the electorate for granted. They have misused much of their power, and I’m hoping that out of these elections, we have a more vigorous opposition emerging, one that keeps the ruling party on their toes and pushes them to work harder and much better than they’re doing now.
What is the biggest challenge facing young Namibians today? How can it be overcome?
I think it’s because of its opportunities and access to participate in the economy. Namibia is primarily an export country; our mining industry exports raw materials without processing them locally. Many Namibian products are not consumed within the country but are shipped abroad. One of the biggest challenges is access to the economy and robust industries like mining, manufacturing and energy.
One of Namibia’s biggest challenges is the lack of employment opportunities. The country’s history and the way the economy was set up still make it complicated for us to get there. We are forced into the informal market because we lack employment opportunities, which is a challenge.
What are your hopes for the forthcoming elections?
We need an emerging strong opposition to minimize the arrogance and ignorance of the ruling party.
What are your fears for the forthcoming elections?
I don’t have any fears. I feel like everything will be the way it should be. We have a strong, emerging opposition party in [Panduleni Itula’s Independent Patriots for Change]. Although I don’t expect them to win, I hope the two-thirds majority of the ruling party is broken. I think everything will be fine; we are very democratic people.
Kumbee Tjirimuje, 29, Legal Intern
Photo courtesy of Kumbee Tirimuje.
Kumbee Tirimuje is worried about governmental interference in public institutions.
What makes you proud to be a Namibian?
Kumbee Tirimuje: It’s our unity as a country and our stability. I think we have a lot going for us in terms of resources and nature. And, of course, we have better biltong and boerewors than South Africa.
If you could change one thing about the country, what would it be? Why?
I would strengthen accountability institutions so that the state can be held more accountable. We have an anti-corruption commission in Namibia, but it’s not independent enough. It gets a budget from the state and does not have its own instituting provision founded in the constitution. The existing accountability mechanisms are highly susceptible to political influence. People are greatly concerned about the political impact on matters that should remain impartial. Another personal concern is theundermining of court judgments.
What is the biggest challenge facing young Namibians today? How can it be overcome?
Unemployment is one of the biggest issues that will weigh on this election because it affects the youth, who will be the biggest voting block. I finished my LLB at the end of January and was just applying. I applied to a law firm with five positions, and 125 graduates applied for five spots. That’s just in law, so I can’t imagine what it’s like for other positions.
What are your hopes for the forthcoming elections?
I’m just hoping for a government that is more accountable and diverse in composition. I’m also hoping for younger leaders.
What are your fears for the forthcoming elections?
I fear whether our institutions can handle the pressure of a more diverse government because more litigation is associated with that. In Namibia, we vote for the president and the national assembly. This means that there’s a possibility that we could have a president from a minority party and a national assembly that’s mostly SWAPO. I don’t know whether we have the caliber of lawyers and judges who would be people of integrity.
Emilie Stephanus, 40, Taxation Officer
Photo courtesy of Emilie Stephanus.
Emilie Stephanus is concerned about the rate of unemployment.
What makes you proud to be a Namibian?
Emilie Stephanu: Namibia is one of the most peaceful nations I know. The people are wonderful, and we have diverse cultures and languages. Namibia is also a very politically stable country.
If you could change one thing about the country, what would it be? Why?
I would change the poverty rate in this country, better access to essential services, and reduce inequality. Our country is one of diamonds, copper, uranium, gold – you name it. We also have rich fishing grounds. With Namibia’s natural resources, we should not have some of the poorest people. Most Namibians don’t benefit from these resources, and land is mainly foreign-owned. I would change that. We must be more patriotic as leaders and just as citizens.
What is the biggest challenge facing young Namibians today? How can it be overcome?
Unemployment. Unemployment has skyrocketed our country’s crime rate. Our creative sector is also not accommodated. There is no funding, and spaces are not made available for creatives. Namibia is full of talented people and space needs to be created for them. I think our country focuses more on academics, but many people can contribute to our economy through talent.
What are your hopes for the forthcoming elections?
For a fair and peaceful election. One thing our country always maintains is peaceful and smooth elections.
What are your fears for the forthcoming elections?
I have no fear. I trust my party to win, stick to our manifesto, and deliver on the people’s needs and expectations: inclusive development and shared prosperity.
David Bishop, 45, Radio DJ/Climbing gym owner
Photo courtesy of David Bishop.
David Bishop hopes that these elections will be as peaceful as they have been in the past.
What makes you proud to be a Namibian?
David Bishop: It’s the people. I know everyone thinks that the people from their country are special. Still, there is something unique about Namibians and the way we face life with a smile and find the humor in situations, the way we pull together when we need to, and the way we are all so super proud to be Namibian and will loudly tell anyone and everyone that where we come from is the best country on the planet. Of course, our wildlife and natural splendor, including numerous different climactic zones, each with unique flora and fauna. There is also the fact that for a country with such a small population, our sportspeople consistently launch above their weight in international competitions, representing us at World Cups, World Championships, and even the Olympics.
If you could change one thing about the country, what would it be? Why?
The thing that I would love to be able to change about Namibia would be the vast inequality and levels of poverty. There is no reason a country rich in natural resources and with such a small population should not be able to lift the majority out of poverty.
What is the biggest challenge facing young Namibians today? How can it be overcome?
The two biggest challenges facing Namibia are unemployment and a major housing crisis, with the first contributing to, but also a potential solution for, the second. I am unsure what can be done to create more jobs, and while I agree that the government should not be seen as the country’s leading employer and job creator, they do bear a certain level of responsibility.
They need to allow for an environment conducive to investment by ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of their structures. It should not take upwards of six months to be able to register a new business and offer policy certainty so that investors know their money is safe and that they won’t have to change their plans if new legislation is suddenly introduced.
They also need to hold those to whom they award tenders accountable and only award them to those capable of fulfilling the tender requirements. While it is great to hear of their successes, the government should hold itself responsible for all their failures.
What are your hopes for the forthcoming elections?
My hope for the elections is that they remain as peaceful as they have been in the past, allowing everyone a chance to connect with other human beings in the voting line and growing closer, even if it is just for those few minutes or hours, sharing in our single identity as Namibians, and shared suffering of having to stand in the long line.
What are your fears for the forthcoming elections?
My only fear is that one of the parties refuses to accept the election results and that this leads to some form of violence, as seen in other parts of Africa recently. However, I doubt this will happen, as we are generally peaceful and peace-loving people. Even when politicians have objected in the past, the average Namibian has simply gotten on with their lives.
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Over the course of 2024, 20 African countries will be holding elections. For more election coverage, check out our Election Tracker.
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