KATIMA MULILO – Swapo central committee member Pohamba Shifeta said voters are no longer willing to vote merely to perform their civic duties. 

He said the voters want to vote for leaders who will address issues of bread and butter in the community.

“Nowadays, it is not just a question of people who want to go vote because of the name Swapo. People want to see someone who can bring bread and butter to the table. That is why we sometimes end up losing, even in areas that are Swapo-dominated. This is because we fail ourselves by putting a person, knowing that no one wants to hear that name in the community,” he said.

He was speaking at a mini- Swapo rally in Malengalenga in the Linyanti constituency over the weekend.

“Some will vote because they feel pity for Swapo to lose. They will then vote for that person, and not because that person will bring change in that community,” said Shifeta, who is advocating for hardworking and visionary leaders.

The Swapo leader reminded the electorate to identify leaders within their communities who will guide, lead, direct, inspire and influence them.

“We need leaders who understand leadership – not only to guide, but also to inspire and influence us so we can achieve our common goal. Leaders must have a vision. Sometimes, it is not that people don’t want to vote for Swapo. It’s simply because you put the wrong person there. People will abstain, and they will not go to the polls,” he remarked.

The politician went on to say voters sometimes end up voting for individuals who are not their preferred candidates, but they do it by saying “this is what Swapo gave us”.

This includes leaders who will be deployed at local authorities, regional councils and national level.

Therefore, there is no point for voters to complain when they have the power to vote for the right leaders within the party to represent them.

Prior to Saturday, the party hosted a mini-rally, spearheaded by gender equality minister Doreen Sioka.

She encouraged the public to register so they could vote during the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections in November.  

“I encourage people to register and vote. Without a voter’s card, you will not be able to say anything,” she urged.

Sioka held the mini-Swapo rally at Lisikili in the Kabbe North district. 

-anakale@nepc.com.na