With less than three months to go before election day, different political entities have deployed different strategies to identify those of their members best- suited to drive their agenda in the National Assembly. 

The stark divide between political parties embracing democratic values and those leaning towards autocratic practices has come into sharp focus.  While some parties openly allow members to choose parliamentary candidates through transparent processes, others maintain a tight grip on decision-making, keeping
the public in the dark until the last
moment. 

This is nothing new, however.  In 2019, some parties presented their lists of 96 prospective National Assembly candidates to the Electoral Commision of Namibia (ECN). However, how they arrived at that composition of candidates remains a mystery to this day. 

In this article, New Era delves into how different parties go about their business regarding this process, and why. 

Furthermore, this growing contrast
has raised critical questions from independent onlookers about accountability, transparency and the future of political representation in Namibia.

Seats in the National Assembly are allocated to parties based on the number of votes each party receives. 

This publication reached out to various political parties to understand their internal processes for creating National Assembly lists. 

PDM 

In May 2022, the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) and the ECN lost an appeal in the Supreme Court, in which the party was ordered to recall six of its MPs from the National Assembly.

The Electoral Court had ruled that the
PDM must remove six members who were originally not on the party’s 2019 National Assembly list of MPs, but were sworn in as MPs in March 2020. Following this ruling the PDM and the ECN appealed to the Supreme Court. Manuel Ngaringombe, the secretary general of the PDM, outlined the party’s procedures for formulating its parliamentary list, emphasising its adherence to democratic principles. “We host an electoral college that is attended by representatives from constituencies, branches and districts across the country. They bring forward the names of individuals they wish to see in Parliament,” he stated. 

He added that the party engages in discussions and follows internal democratic guidelines before convening the electoral college to select preferred candidates. 

The party recently held its elective congress in Katima Mulilo, where they also elected central committee members. 

Information from insiders shows that the majority of the CC members are likely to feature predominantly on the party’s parliamentary list. All of them are under the age of 60. If anyone above 60 makes the cut, it would only be through nomination by party leader McHenry Venaani, who has the powers to do so, they added. 

Ngaringombe described the process as a testament to democracy and free elections. 

“We started at the grassroots level because we want to ensure free and fair elections for those nominated. The process was smooth, demonstrating democracy, accountability and transparency,” he said.

Ngaringombe noted that any active party member without a criminal record, who is nominated from any of the 14 regions and is willing to stand for election, can qualify as a candidate.  “Anyone capable of representing people in the National Assembly can be elected at the congress, provided they have basic literacy skills,” he continued.

However, he also clarified that the party president has the prerogative to appoint 10 individuals to the National Assembly list. 

“Our party adheres to democratic procedures, and has never experienced factionalism. Our parliamentary list is diverse, including people with varying skills, from basic literacy to advanced qualifications,” he remarked. Ngaringombe said the party had established procedures to address grievances professionally when tensions arise.

Swapo

Not so long ago, Windhoek came to a standstill as all eyes were fixated on the outcome of the ruling party’s electoral college, also known as the ‘pot’. 

The pot delivered a mixed stew, one which saw party heavyweights and Cabinet ministers pushed to the periphery, paving the way for fresh blood.  Media reports showed that over 70% of the current Cabinet might not return to the august House come March 2025, unless they are nominated to the National Assembly. Deputy Swapo secretary general Uahekua Herunga said the party adheres to its constitution, which includes provisions aligned with the Electoral Act as part of the democratic process.

“We have established procedures within the party. The process begins at the branch level, progresses through the district and regional levels, and culminates at the electoral college. “Our members participate in district and regional congresses before selecting their representatives. All 14 regions and the party’s wings send delegates who would vote for their preferred candidates (at the electoral college),” the former Cabinet minister, who was once a casualty of the pot until his political ressurection in 2022, said.

AR

In contrast, Job Amupanda, the activist-in-chief of the Affirmative Repositioning movement, said the newly-registered party is not preoccupied with holding an electoral college.  Instead, they are focusing on door-to-door campaigns across the country.

“Those electoral college discussions can create divisions within parties. For now, our focus is on direct engagement through door-to-door campaigning. We will only consider holding such an electoral college a few days before the elections,” he observed. 

He made these comments in Katima Mulilo, where he was engaged in campaign activities when New Era reached out to him. 

AR will be participating in the National Assembly elections for the first time, and has not yet drafted its parliamentary list, nor held a congress for the party.

APP

Similarly, Ambrosius  Kumbwa, the leader of the  All People’s Party (APP) said for smaller parties like the APP, reaching the maximum number of 96 candidates may be unnecessary, noting that it is not mandatory in law to have a full list of candidates.

“The first thing is that the list of 96 candidate members of parliament is not mandatory, although there is a minimum of 35. So, in a party which does not draw the majority of voters, there is no need to compile a 96-member list. That’s wasting people’s time,” he underlined.

The party sometimes convenes an electoral college to follow a structured nomination and election process, he said, emphasising  that party members democratically establish the criteria for selecting candidates, ensuring they represent both the party and the electorate’s will.

Kumbwa acknowledged the challenge of maintaining a transparent and fair process, noting that self-interest can pose a significant obstacle.  “People often want top positions on the list to increase their chances of going to Parliament. However, the focus should be on serving the Namibian people,” he said. 

Despite the challenge of self-interest, the party strives to balance qualifications, skills and fair representation. 

Responding to concerns about internal squabbles which often lead to factionalism, Kumbwa said “constructive criticism is welcomed as it can help strengthen the party, while destructive criticism is rejected, as it does not serve the party’s or the people’s interests.” He noted that while handpicking candidates can be efficient, it often undermines democratic principles. 

Handpicked candidates may lack accountability to the electorate, which can weaken the party’s democratic integrity, he said. 

LPM

In the orange army, the Landless People’s Movement’s (LPM), led by charasmatic leader Bernadus Swartbooi, processes are also done differently. 

The party holds general internal elections, but a small minority of candidates will be handpicked by the top leadership.

“Despite rigorous vetting and a convention selection process, a certain number of candidates are chosen directly by the leadership,” party spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa said. 

“These candidates will be selected based on their qualifications and ability to contribute to the party’s goals. However, the majority of candidates will still be elected through
a democratic process that involves
nominations and a set criteria.” Simataa emphasised that the party has maintained a fair and transparent process throughout. “The only challenge has been ensuring effective campaign execution and resources’ allocation,” he continued.

The LPM is expected to hold its electoral college at the end of September. The party currently holds four seats in the National Assembly. Simataa added that while handpicking candidates can have benefits, it is important to balance it with democratic processes.  “If a party relies solely on handpicked candidates, they risk stifling diverse voices and participation. However, if the party has talented individuals with expertise that can benefit the party as a whole, they should also be considered,” he said.

RDP

Meanwhile, the leader of the former official opposition in parliament, the Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP)’s Mike Kavekotora said his party follows a democratic way of electing prospective members of parliament, as the party’s constitution made provision for an electoral college.

The electoral college includes central committee members, representatives from women’s and youth leagues, and delegates from each political region. Members vote for parliamentary candidates, while the party president can nominate eight additional members based on their expertise. 

This approach, Kavekotora stated, ensures candidates represent both party members and the broader electorate. The party’s manifesto is crafted through broad consultations, focusing on issues like food security, housing, health, youth employment and education, reflecting the needs of ordinary Namibians.

Despite challenges in maintaining transparency, the RDP has structures in place such as branch, district and regional secretaries, and oversight by central committee members. While there are no strict qualifications for parliamentary candidates, the party follows guidelines which promote inclusivity, especially for women, ensuring a diverse and representative candidate list.

IPC

Panduleni Itula’s Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) recently held its elective congress. 

Party general secretary Christine Aochamus did not explain their process, despite detailed questions sent to her more than two weeks ago. 

Nudo

The National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) is a political entity at war with itself.  While one faction, led by former Namibia Football Assocation (NFA) secretary general Barry Rukoro has allegedly already identified prospective MPs, the Utjiua Muinjangue group – Nudo’s last democratically-elected leadership – is headed for an elective congress this weekend. 

In posters seen by this reporter, Nudo will choose their 96 potential candidates this weekend. 

In legal missives seen by this publication, the Muinjangue faction has warned Rukoro’s splinter group against masquerading as Nudo leaders and to desist from using the party’s letterhead, or face legal action. 

While the two factions do not see eye to eye, it remains to be seen which one will end up on the ballot. 

Analysis 

Bringing his analytical lense to the discourse, commentaor Ndumba Kamanyah views Namibia’s internal party electoral processes as key to the country’s democracy, reflecting each party’s stance on democratic principles.  “When parties adopt democratic internal processes, it enhances the legitimacy of candidates, and fosters a culture of participation and debate,” he said.  

This approach is seen as essential for boosting public confidence and engagement.

Kamanyah acknowledges that hand-picking candidates can be strategic for efficiency and unity, but warns that “hand-picking can lead to perceptions of favouritism, cronyism and a lack of transparency”. 

He emphasised that for hand-picking to remain democratic, it must be “transparent and involve key stakeholders” to avoid undermining voters’ trust.

Looking to the future, Kamanyah highlighted the potential long-term effects. “A consistent reliance on hand-picking candidates risks concentrating power within a small elite, disconnecting the leadership from the grassroots.”

He added that internal elections can “strengthen democratic culture, promote leadership renewal and maintain the party’s connection with its base.”

-ljason@nepc.com.na