WINDHOEK — The National Democratic Party (NDP) is advocating for a federal system of government in Namibia where independent administrations will be set up in each region or province to administer own affairs without interference from central government.
In its manifesto, the party states that such a system will accommodate all ethnic groups and all political parties registered in Namibia – a system which the NDP’s President, Martin Lukato Lukato, says is reminiscent of federal systems in Nigeria, Tanzania, the United States, Australia and some countries in Europe.
The NDP, which is also contesting the National and Presidential elections slated for November, also calls for total independence of bodies, such as the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Office of the Ombudsman.
It would also set up an independent commission of enquiry to investigate all resources of Namibia since independence.
The party has struggled to make an impact since its inception, also plans to set up an independent auditors’ commission and legal assistance centre, among others.
If the party were to come to power, it would introduce an amendment to the Electoral Law Act to prevent promotion of a “one-party state and dictatorship rule in Namibia.”
The NDP favours nationalisation of mineral resources to ensure that a minimum of 60 percent existing mines are owned by workers and communities where mining activities take place.
“The NDP government will nationalise all private banks through taking a minimum of 60 percent ownership of all existing private banks,” reads the manifesto.
On welfare, the party promises to increase old-age pension fund from N$600 to N$2600, disability from N$400 to N$2400 and war veteran fund from N$2000 to N$2400 per month for former PLAN fighters and former SWATF soldiers.
It promises to introduce social grants of N$2500 per month for the terminally ill, unemployment benefit of N$1200 for all jobless citizens and to introduce a national military service for high school graduates for a period of five years.
On the international front, the NDP government would introduce a motion in Parliament and at the United Nations Security Council to suspend Germany’s seat for genocide which was committed (against) the Ovaherero and Nama ethnic groups until such time that Germany pays for the atrocities.
The NDP is of the opinion that no foreigner should own land in Namibia and that the land policy should be reviewed and amended so that it can transfer to lawful owners from where it was stolen 100 years ago.
On crime, the party plans to increase salaries of police personnel in order to root out corruption and also want to see that government assist faith-based organisations as crime is too high in Namibia and killing of women and girls is at a high rate.
NDP also plans to introduce a Truth and Reconciliation Commission for those who have committed atrocities before independence to apologise publicly to the victims.