By: Kandjengo kaMkwaanyoka
It is disappointing that the strategy politicians seem to have chosen to reach out to voters nowadays is by way of displaying big flags, parades, musical dances, and useless songs.
When will we actually communicate the plans and substance of the manifestos?
Time is running out.
When will you, as a voter, demand that people contesting to be elected into public office present their real plans – on housing, energy, food security, and health?
Or are we just going to continue singing songs, dance at rallies, and parade flags in the streets until 27 November 2024?
If that is the case, what are we even voting for? Will we choose leaders based on the size of their rallies, their party songs, the t-shirts they give us or the flags they handed out?
Recently, Namibia was declared a hunger hotspot. As a voter, aren’t you interested in what each candidate or party intends to do to tackle food insecurity?
Before you get swept up in the rallies, take a moment to think about how the next president or party will impact your daily life.
Their plans and economic goals will shape our lives for the next five years – don’t you, as a voter, want to know what those plans are?
By all means, wear your t-shirts, shout, and parade if you want, but shouldn’t you also be asking about what they plan to achieve if they’re elected? In our current economic climate – marked by stagnation, a shifting economy, and pressing social issues – we need leaders with concrete plans, not just catchy slogans.
Yes, it may be hard to trust that candidates will follow through, as there are no legal requirements forcing them to stick to their promises.
But isn’t that still better than voting based on songs, parades, rallies, and shouting alone?
As you head out to the final rallies, demand real presentations and Q&A sessions from these candidates.
They should tell you their economic plans and what they’ll do with your vote if given the chance.
At the State House, there’s no singing and dancing – decisions about the country are made there.
In parliament and cabinet, they don’t parade and sing; they’re there to think critically and make decisions that could uplift and position Namibia better.
So, voters, what are you really jumping and screaming for?
Ask questions. Interrogate the manifestos. Listen closely to their presentations and decide which plans align with your, your village’s, or your constituency’s needs.
Choosing a president or a party isn’t just a democratic right; it’s an investment in the future of our economy and society. Choose wisely.
Download and read the manifestos that Eagle FM has uploaded on their website: https://www.eaglefm.com.na/political-party-manifesto/
Anyway, as a musician, I am quite happy for the various gigs I got at your campaigning rallies- for any political party who wants to hire me to come sing and dance at your rally hit me up on my email below.
NB: Kandjengo kaMkwaanyoka is some dude from Okwalondo, he truly believes we can build a better economy for all of Namibia. The thoughts reflected in the article are his and not of The Villager editorial team.
Reach him at: gerastus16@gmail.com
