As the race towards the Presidential and National Assembly elections reaches a fever pitch, tension between political parties as they attempt to win over the hearts of the masses is also climaxing.
The clashes, particularly between the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) and the ruling Swapo, have heightened fears of further disruptions as both parties vie for dominance in both //Kharas and Hardap regions, with supporters openly confronting one another in what has become a volatile pre-election atmosphere.
At the moment, LPM rules the south, with a stronghold in the two regions, especially in Hardap, where it occupies seven out of eight seats in the Hardap Regional Council as well as winning control of most local authorities there.
The region was previously dominated by Swapo, and New Era understands that with their star rally this weekend, the party aims to retain its dominance.
Skirmishes
This week, skirmishes broke out between supporters of the two parties, leading to the vandalism of a Swapo campaign
vehicle.
In videos circulating online, rival groups are seen confronting each other in party regalia, exchanging heated words and singing party songs.
The situation intensified when LPM supporters reportedly removed Swapo flags in Keetmanshoop, and booked venues meant for Swapo’s star rally in Mariental, disrupting campaign plans.
Both parties have mega rallies at the town this weekend.
This was confirmed by Swapo regional secretary John Witbooi.
“On Tuesday, the LPM members decided to block our convoy because, apparently, we had our chance to mobilise the masses, and they wouldn’t allow us to continue,” Witbooi said.
LPM spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa refuted the notion that the party wants to sabotage Swapo.
“Swapo was supposed to hold its rally in Aranos – not Mariental. The reason their request to hold activities in Mariental was denied is that all the fields were already booked by us. This is going to be a very busy weekend for LPM in Mariental,” he said.
Unfazed, he remarked: “Swapo is not shaken by their presence. No small party is going to move us. We are here to stay”.
Defence
In his defence, Simataa said the skirmish, which led to a Swapo vehicle’s windscreen being smashed, was prompted by provocation from Swapo.
“On Tuesday, LPM members were putting up flags for events scheduled for 13 October 13 when Swapo conducted a drive-through after abruptly changing their rally location from Aranos to Mariental.
The lead vehicle in the convoy turned into the street, where LPM members were placing flags. The convoy leader began to provoke and hurl insults at the LPM members, who then retaliated, leading to the reported scuffle,” Simataa stated.
He added that provocation seems to be Swapo’s tactic, accusing them of acting in a barbaric and aggressive manner, intentionally stirring a response from those they antagonise.
He recalled another incident last week in Oranjemund, where LPM was holding its convoy. He said a Swapo member drove his car into the convoy to disrupt the event.
“Earlier this year, the same failing regime had a councillor tear up LPM membership cards as a way to de-campaign our party. Additionally, they posted videos featuring another prominent member of their party, holding multiple membership cards taken from intimidated LPM members in the areas around Tsumeb.
Their members have also actively engaged in social media campaigns to de-campaign political parties,” he detailed.
When asked about the incident where LPM members were seen removing Swapo flags, he justified it by saying that to erect a flag or promotional item, a fee must be paid for a specific duration.
“It could be that Swapo’s duration had lapsed, and LPM took over because they didn’t renew the contract,” he said.
Political violence
In July, another incident relating to political violence occurred in Outapi, whereby a Swapo member allegedly drove into a crowd of Independent Patriots for Change, injuring one.
The victim, Risto Shekudja (47), sustained an open wound to his knee and dislocated his kneecap.
The suspect, Kavila Kautwima (73), was arrested and granted bail for N$3 000.