In recent years, if you questioned Christians on who they will vote for, many could ignore you or dismiss your question as profanity. Since independence, from 1990 to the current indescribable years of hostilities and political differences among Christians, most, if not all Namibian Christians, have a rich legacy of political engagement, dating back to the nation’s struggle for independence. Figures like Reverend Tylves Taanyanda, have, for some time, highlighted perplexing yet unique biblical and hopeful messages at different political campaigns. In just recent months, Reverend Taanyanda had an opportunity to lead a campaign in the northern part of Namibia into prayer, where he then said, and I quote, “We shall beat them once and into a bean puree.” 

Much motivation to write this article came when I came across a quote by the late renowned American evangelist Billy Graham, who once said: “In a world that might say one vote doesn’t matter…., it does matter, because each person is of infinite value to God. Your vote is a declaration of importance as a person and a citizen.”

This leads us into understanding the most misinterpreted and largely comprehensive word as stated by the Rev. Dr. Schade. a cherished civic privilege, but a sacred duty. To paraphrase Aristotle, politics is simply the science and art of governing people. The late Junias Vaino Kaapanda, whom I regard as my incarnation, has been quoted by many when he once defined politics as a profound expression of our faith, enabling us to fulfil our God-given responsibility as stewards of our nation. He accompanied this definition by the famous biblical scripture by Apostle Paul, which says, “I reckon that the challenges of the present time are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed unto us.” 

Christians should not be shocked if I highlight that the heart of the Bible (John 3:16) is not the only momentous biblical verse, but rather one that even the Holy Qu’ ran, Torah and other religious books speak about: “Love your neighbour as you love yourself.” One could imagine the question asked by the Teachers of the law: Which one is the greatest commandments? Jesus replied, Love the Lord your God with all your, heart, soul and mind. Again, love your neighbour as you love yourself.

Various political conjectures are and can only be held by God’s heartfelt inclusive love, which is beyond human imagination. As followers of Christ, we are not only called to be the salt and light in the world, but also recognising our civic duties and inclining every sphere of Namibian society, including the political realm. Our faith as Christians persuades us to engage actively in the public square, guided by the principles of the Bible, and NOT of humans. Voting is therefore not a merely worldly matter, but a practical and sacred one which goes along with our Christian values of love, compassion, justice, righteousness and even the common good.

Apostle Paul writes, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1) The aforementioned biblical verse is a conformation that religious people who believe in God have a spiritually-given responsibility to be wonderful people (as the Bible says, how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!), custodians of the resources and opportunities entrusted to us by God. 

That also includes the privilege of voting. Politics might confuse us due to what we hear, the statements made by politicians and our fear of living in the most terrible world with unending societal issues but, voting remains a civic responsibility for all; a hallowed entitlement and obligation for all of God’s people. If somebody else (a Pastor, Deacon, or spiritual leader preaches against voting, then they are both supercilious and despicable, perpetuating hate and neglecting the teaching of Jesus, “Love your neighbour as you love yourself.” This is an ecumenical message for all of God’s creation, including brethren from other religions. 

In the midst of serious predicaments

Whether one is in a developed or developing country, societal predicaments will never be lacking. The biblical Scriptures state that in the world, there will be challenges. Of course, political engagement is significant, it is not without predicaments and controversies. 

In Namibia, social issues like suicide, abortion, negative perceptions towards the Pentecostalism beliefs, the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) rights, and economic policies (including promises about grants, scholarships, better medical care and better living standards), can divide the church, and create tension between faith and civic responsibilities. 

In spite of having about 17 political parties that want to contest in the upcoming national election dated 27 November 2024, Christians need to consider the presidential candidates and their political ambitions for the future of this country. 

While we are at the beginning of November, election time is indeed approaching. It is henceforth worthwhile that we cultivate an everlasting culture of civic engagement, where voting is not just a periodic responsibility, but rather a vital expression of our faith as ambassadors of Christ. Schools (as part of the Namibian educational curriculum especially in subjects like Social Studies, Geography and English) must continue with ongoing elucidation on human rights and civic duties. 

Churches, on the other hand, need to be committed to shaping the public discourse with the fundamental Christian virtues during election time because after elections, unity will determine the future of this country. 

Christians must choose peace over fear, love over hate, and Jesus’s character over insults!

*Vaino Junias Shandjemwene Kambungu is a UNAM education and social studies graduate. He has authored four books, and is currently an English educator in the Hardap region.  

Email: juniasvaino654@gmail.com