Elections in Namibia and in any democratic society are about more than just casting a vote. They represent a critical moment when citizens bestow legitimacy upon political parties and individuals, granting them the authority to make decisions that will affect the lives of all citizens for years to come. When Namibians head to the polls,...
Lahja Nashuuta Zimbabwean-born public speaker Joshua Maponga has told the ruling party to set the nation’s agenda, and to never be mistaken for an opposition party. He said this during one of the discussions to unpack Swapo’s election manifesto in the capital on Monday. “Swapo, hear me well. Stop acting like an opposition party. You...
Recently, New Era editor Edward Mumbuu (EM) sat down with Swanu presidential candidate Evilastus Kaaronda (EK) on NBC’s talk show, One-on-One, to gauge his vision for Namibia’s oldest political formation ahead of 27 November, when Namibian voters separate pretenders from contenders through the ballot. Here is the abridged version of the discussion: ED: Talk to...
Rudolf Gaiseb The ballot papers for Namibia’s 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections arrived at the Hosea Kutako International Airport yesterday. However, political party representatives expressed dissatisfaction with the entire printing process. “Reinforcing our transparency, we invited representatives from 21 participating political parties to observe the design, production and packaging of ballot papers in Johannesburg....
OMUTHIYA – Ondonga Traditional Authority chairperson John Walenga has said traditional leaders from the Ondonga kingdom are not allowed to wear party colours or spearhead any political party activities, as they serve everyone. Walenga, in an interview with Nampa on Tuesday, said the OTA is home to all aspiring politicians and politicians from various political...
KATIMA MULILO – Independent Patriots for Change leader and presidential candidate Panduleni Itula has called on residents of Katima Mulilo to vote for change if they want employment, better healthcare and housing. Speaking at a rally held at Choto informal settlement on Sunday, he said the Namibian Constitution glues people together and gives them the...
Rudolf Gaiseb The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has challenged the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) over a purported lack of transparency around the ballot printing tender. The IPPR said if the amount the commission spent on the tender is juxtaposed to what it had budgeted in its annual procurement plan, it becomes evident...
EENHANA – Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani has cautioned against the use of drought relief food or other government interventions for political expediency. He said this over the weekend while addressing a rally in Eenhana, where he was canvassing for support for his third attempt on State House’s door, and his party’s National Assembly...
Eveline de Klerk Isabel Bento SWAKOPMUND – United Democratic Front (UDF) president Hendrik Gaobaeb emphasised his party’s vision for transforming Namibia through equitable land redistribution, job-creation and empowerment initiatives for the nation’s youth. In his address at the party’s Erongo regional star rally in Swakopmund on Saturday, he highlighted the importance of land reform, promising...
RUNDU – Kavango East governor Bonifatius Wakudumo has called on political parties participating in the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections to promote peaceful campaigns. “We must make provision for our elderly, people living with disabilities and all marginalised groups to participate in this democratic exercise without barriers. Voting is a right that must be...