WINDHOEK – The ruling party Swapo ended its election campaign on a high note when thousands of jovial supporters attended the party’s last star rally – in Katutura on Saturday – which was televised live by the national broadcaster NBC.
The party’s presidential candidate in Friday’s electoral contest – Dr Hage Geingob – expressed gratitude for the support he has enjoyed from his party and its supporters, and for the trust they have in him to lead the country as its president.
Swapo bought airtime on the NBC to have the final rally shown live on TV nationwide. It is not known how much Swapo paid, but it would be a massive amount, analysts say.
People from all walks of life, the majority of whom were dressed in Swapo colours, gathered at the Sam Nujoma Stadium from as early as 10h00.
The surrounding areas were also a hive of activity, with people mobilising for people to make their way to the stadium while others hooted and drove around in cars decorated with Swapo flags.
The stadium was packed to the rafters with Swapo supporters, sympathisers and members, international and local observers, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, amongst other interest groups.
People were entertained with revolutionary songs mainly by the Ndilimani cultural troupe. Other artists included Bullet ya Kaoko, Blossom, The Dogg and Gazza.
The crowd responded cheerily to the entertainment and equally did not disappoint in welcoming their leaders, namely, the founding president, Dr Sam Nujoma, Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, President Hifikepunye Pohamba as well as Swapo Party presidential candidate Dr Hage Geingob.
Nujoma, Pohamba and Geingob paraded around the stadium and interacted with people mainly through hand gestures such as greeting, waving and in some instances hugs.
In his speech, Pohamba commended Namibians for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner during the political campaigns. He said the peaceful manner in which Namibians conducted themselves demonstrates that “our people value the peace and stability that we enjoy”.
“We are happy that our mobilisation campaign has received a positive response in all corners of our country. We are grateful for the overwhelming support by the Namibian people who attended our campaign rallies and contributed to our resources mobilisation efforts,” he said.
Pohamba said this has enabled Swapo to spread its message to all parts of the country and build increased momentum as election day approaches.
Further, Pohamba stressed that while it is important to attend campaign rallies and other events and functions it is even more critical for Swapo party members, supporters and sympathisers to go to the polls and vote. “This is the only way the party will win an overwhelming victory in the National Assembly elections,” he said.
Presidential candidate Geingob promised “to deliver” when elected into power. He also applauded Pohamba, Nujoma and others for believing and investing in him.
By Alvine Kapitako