All People’s Party (APP) says come November, it will focus its energy more on local authorities’ elections instead of constituency contestation as its too costly for them.

APP secretary general Vincent Kanyetu yesterday told New Era they are finalising the nomination candidate lists to take part in the local authority elections.

 “We are going to concentrate much more on local authority elections. We don’t have all the money like other parties. We are getting less than N$400 000 per quota now as part of political party funding. There is nothing much you can do with the N$370 000 to run over 120 constituencies. So, we are going to choose constituencies where willing candidates want to stand. But mostly, we are going to focus on municipalities and town councils,” he stated. However, Kanyetu called on sponsors to assist APP for it to have a successful campaign. “Anyone who wants to sponsor APP openly and not corruptly can do so,” he said.

He revealed various towns across Namibia have confirmed candidates who are willing to stand for the local elections.

He said Rundu is topping with 35 candidates. Other towns include Katima Mulilo, Divundu, Nkurenkuru, Grootfontein, Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Gobabis, Otjiwarongo, Maltahohe, Lüderitz, Oshikuku, Eenhana, Tsumeb, and Rehoboth. 

Oshakati is yet to confirm its list.

According to Kanyetu, the deadline for regional coordinators to send confirmation for candidates is the end of this month. 

“We are calling on Namibians who are willing to serve their fellow countrymen and women in their towns and constituencies. We have to fix what is done wrong by elders in various towns. It’s an open call for young people, women, and men who want to go give services to their people. We are looking for people as candidates out there who have an understanding of the Local Authority Act. People should go give their CVs to compete with others. People who are vying for elections should have a support-base,” he stressed.

Kanyetu said APP is ready to go out there and serve the electorate insisting the party firmly believes the country is bigger than the party.

Equally, he noted APP will host training sessions for all candidates contesting for the upcoming elections to prepare them for effective service delivery.

-anakale@nepc.com.na