WINDHOEK- New Era randomly spoke to young people on their views on the upcoming November elections to elect new MPs and a new president.
The registration of voters recorded 44 percent of young people from all the regions, with 19 percent being persons born after independence, according to the Electoral Commission of Namibia.
New Era interviewed 42 youths aged between 19 and 27.
Some want to see a balanced ratio of interest in this year’s elections, with some saying their vote will not make much of a difference hence their unwillingness to vote.
But others are looking forward to speak through the ballot box in the elections slated for November 28.
Some respondents said they have a strong belief Swapo will win regardless of whether they vote or not.
“It is going to be the same, Swapo will win, I will not vote because I am not interested, because most political parties present promises to the nation but they do not keep their promises,” said a youth who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Melanie Somses is also not excited saying she “knows” the outcome”, adding that her vote will not make any difference.
Miina Shakela who is also a registered voter said: “I will make my way to the polling stations to go vote.”
Dion Nakale says he will also be voting this year.
Some of the youths want to vote to see what changes Dr Hage Geingob, Swapo’s presidential candidate, will bring during his tenure.
“I am going to vote just because I want to see Hage Geingob win,” said Ashanti Katjohange
Melania Simeon said: “I am going to vote because I feel it’s important to vote as it contributes to the common good of a country. It’s necessary for me as a citizen to take part in political activities, but I am not excited about the elections because honestly I think nowadays even if we vote for a party to bring change to the country it just doesn’t happen and they (politicians) never fulfill their promises. Political parties only need our votes to gain power and fill their pockets.”
Elisia Moses said: “I am registered for the elections and yes I am happy about the upcoming presidential elections because a new leader normally brings about changes and growth in the society, and thus I can hardly wait to see how the new candidate will implement that in order to strive through to Vision 2030 successfully.”
Melissa Links says she will vote though she feels politicians usually make empty promises and do not address pressing issues like the high youth unemployment.
During the survey that New Era conducted, there were a small number of youths who admitted to not having voter cards, reasons ranging from a lack of interest and having lost the national documents allowing them to register.