Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) Secretary for Information and Publicity Nghiningilwandubo Kashume has called on the Namibian youth to take an active role in their future by participating in the upcoming elections.

Speaking to Nampa here on Tuesday, he said as the country prepares for the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections, it is important for the youth to acquaint themselves and realise how important it is for them to take part in political decision-making through voting. Kashume said democracy is a new political system in Namibia and many people, especially the youth, do not understand what a multi-party democratic system constitutes.

“By voting, it means when the youth is demanding things to be done for themselves, they have done their part… You can’t demand a clinic, school, road or housing - basic necessities every citizen of our land requires - while you are saying ‘I’m the youth, I don’t want to participate in politics’,” he stressed.

He continued that the RDP is taking part in the elections, and is scheduled to deliberate on the preparations for internal democratic elections on 24 February 2024, which will be followed by a fourth national convention to elect its national leadership.

The party will also discuss its election manifesto at the upcoming party congress, after which its contents would be made public.

“There has been a tendency in this country where RDP presents its election manifestos, and others go and plagiarise it. We don’t like it very much, but the time will come when we are ready to present our election manifesto,” he noted.

He also called on Namibians to check their current voting cards, as most would have expired.

“A number of Namibians are looking forward to the RDP taking part in this election, and they are determined. It is encouraging for the RDP’s outlook,” he enthused. -Nampa