By: Modestus Kasoma
This year, over 15 African countries, including Namibia, will go to the polls.
So far we have already observed how one of the well-known former liberation movements in SADC – the African National Congress (ANC) – lost its sole mandate to govern in South Africa.
The results in the South African elections demonstrated to electorates that in a democracy, governments come and go, while the administration of the State remains permanent.
This sentiment echoes the words of their Founding President Nelson Mandela, who once said, “If the ANC does to you what the Apartheid government did to you, then you must do to the ANC what you did to the Apartheid government.”
Namibia’s Presidential and National Assembly elections are slated for November.
Many Namibians died in pursuit of a democratic government that ensures active participation of people, giving citizens a chance to choose their government.
In 34 years of independence, Namibians have experienced politics centred around power rather than liberation from socioeconomic bondage.
Politicians are currently canvassing votes from ordinary people, employing the same strategies and tactics used three decades ago, while the conditions of the majority continue to deteriorate.
It is particularly agitating to witness those who have been in power for 34 years, who have had the opportunity to govern and access state resources, now campaigning by reminding the masses of their dire realities: no one deserves to live in shacks made of cardboard and worn metallic sheets, living without running water is unacceptable, and the high rate of youth unemployment is intolerable.
These conditions must end. Promises that if elected, everything will improve and there will be a better life for all, are the same electioneering speeches we’ve heard since time immemorial.
Namibian electorates do not need a political rally to be told about their realities as if they are foreigners.
They have lived in this country and must reflect on what they are voting for, not just who they are voting for.
In our constitutional democracy, no government can claim authority unless it has the people’s mandate.
Elections entail competition and choices. Let this year be a moment of inspiration to realise our collective and individual aspirations as a nation.
This calls for a conscious decision. Many strategies are being utilised to win the hearts and minds of the masses during this period.
Political elites are emerging from their mansions to connect with people on the ground because they know you have value.
They understand that it is the electorates who hold power. A President’s vote is equal to a peasant’s vote.
History will judge us harshly if we allow democracy to fail in our time. It is the responsibility of every eligible voter to register and vote.
The number of elections conducted in our country should not only demonstrate our commitment to the ideals of democracy but more so by the willingness of citizens to sacrifice their time and energy to register as voters and turn up at the polling stations to cast their vote.
Statistics from the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) indicate that in 2019, the Presidential and National Assembly elections only garnered a 60% voter turnout from registered voters.
It is unwise and an act of ignorance to boycott voting. In essence, by abstaining, you are entrenching the same conditions that cause your frustrations.
In Bertolt Brecht’s words, “the worst illiterate is the political illiterate”. He doesn’t hear, doesn’t speak, or participate in political events.
He does not know that the cost of life, the price of the bean, of the fish, of the flour, of the rent, of the shoes and of the medicine, all depend on political decisions.
The political illiterate is so stupid that he is proud and swells his chest, saying that he hates politics.
The imbecile doesn’t know that, from his political ignorance is born the prostitute, the abandoned child, and the worst thieves of all, the bad politician, corrupted and flunky of the national and multinational companies.
In this election, let us coexist and allow every single opposing view to find expression on the ground.
When we leave the ballot in November, let it be with hope revived, dignity retained, and the dreams of oppressed, marginalised, and exploited Namibians validated.
Let our actions toward democracy be worthy and deserving of the sacrifices that brought it into existence.
Modestus Kasoma is a youth activist from Nkurenkuru, Kavango West. The views expressed herein are his own.
