KATIMA MULILO – National Democratic Party of Namibia (NDP) president Martin Lukato says he is not ‘bossy,’ and remains a servant of the people. He was speaking on Saturday afternoon at the party’s last “Star Guerilla War Campaign” held at Kamunu Hall in Katima Mulilo.
“We are targeting 20 seats. [The] resources of this country have to be shared equally,” he remarked. He said for the past 21 years, he has campaigned fruitfully without a seat in the National Assembly, hence the time is now to accord his party seats in the National Assembly. He singled out the introduction of universal free education as a major achievement that his party has sealed – which he says if elected to parliament he will push for it to be at tertiary level.
“We are also fighting for the construction of the railway from Grootfontein to Katima. Those who cannot afford road transport fares can use rail transport. No one is going to be remote-controlled by anyone,” he noted.
On employment and crime, the former police officer says he will advocate for better laws that will ensure that there’s service delivery and employment-creation by dividing the Zambezi region into two.
Lukato added that because he has been fighting for better living standards for all Namibians, he will push for the increment of the old age pension grant from the current N$1 600 to N$5000 while ensuring that the judiciary and other institutions like the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) remain autonomous.
“For now, the Judiciary is not independent because the sitting president is appointing judges and the same goes for the ECN. ECN is being run by the ruling party. They report to the President, the Prime Minister and a Minister and [we] expect them to run a credible and fair election?” he asked.
Speaking at the same occasion, national treasurer of the party, Vincent Kalikamwi urged voters to vote peacefully and remain united even after the outcome of the elections.
“Often, the teeth can bite the tongue, but they continue to stay in one mouth,” he emphasised. -Nampa