National

Expectations of registered voters

2024-08-022024-08-02By Correspondent
Helvi Lukas (26) “I registered to vote. I am going to vote because I want employment. There are no work opportunities, this is why I am trying to sell clothes. I want change for a better job.”

The registration of eligible voters came to a close nationwide yesterday in what may be the biggest election for Namibians to choose the new head of state. Anticipation is growing for those who are eligible to vote, as they now wait for the November elections to come.

New Era spoke to residents of the Khomas region to hear their expectations after registering to vote, and the changes they would like to see after elections. 

Helvi Lukas (26) 

“I registered to vote. I am going to vote because I want employment. There are no work opportunities, this is why I am trying to sell clothes. I want change for a better job.”

Petrus Erastus (52) “I registered to vote, and I will vote in November because I am a citizen of this country, and as such, it is my right and duty to vote. Well, all of us want change, so I am going to vote for change.”
Jarijo Katjomuise (22) “I registered to vote because one cannot vote unless one is registered. So, the standard answer would be I am voting because I want to see change. But over the past number of years, nothing has changed for me. But who knows? Perhaps I will vote, and there will be noticeable change.”
Christa Higoam (26) “I registered as a voter, and I plan to vote. But the thing is, we have been voting all these years, but there has been no change. We do not have electricity in our area, and we are unemployed. There are no jobs, we are giving in our CV’s. But there is no change. So, I have a message to whoever I am going to vote for, I want you to change our lives for the better because we are struggling.”
Sabinah Tuutaleni (22) “I registered to vote in the upcoming elections because I want change, especially for the youth. I want the unemployment rate in Namibia to drop. I will vote for whoever I think is the best candidate for me and my future.”
Rensia Xoagus (22) “I registered to vote, though I am not sure I will be voting in the upcoming elections. I am not sure who to vote for and I feel even if I vote, nothing will change”
Damien Phillipo (23) “I do have a voter’s card. At first, I thought I knew who I was going to vote for, but now I don’t know. I am very unsure who to vote for. It will be my first time voting and I am kind of excited, though it’s difficult for me to choose who to vote for. I just hope that I benefit from the changes they’re trying to introduce.”
Hilma Kambonde (20) “I registered to vote, but I am not sure which party I am going to vote for. I do not want to vote, but I feel like I should because I really would like to see change in our country. So, I am not sure really. The different parties running for elections also do not seem to offer anything promising. It’s going to be my first time voting, so am kind of excited also.”
Natangwe Kaluwa (27)
“I registered because I want to see change. In Babylon where I live, there is no electricity and clean water. We walk long distances to fetch water. I want change, and that is why I will vote so that things can change around here.”