Raymo Kapuuo, one of the two independent candidates vying for the Omatako constituency councillor position, has pledged to restore development and emancipate the masses from the chains of poverty if elected on 26 November.

Since being declared a constituency, Omatako has been led by Swapo, with Issaskar Kaujeua serving as the first councillor for 10 years. In 2015, the constituency saw the rise of the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) in the council chambers when Israel Hukura won the election, repeating his success in 2020. 

In an interview with Nampa, Kapuuo said he aims to write his own history as the first independent candidate to lead the constituency, believing that for far too long, Omatako has been deceived into thinking that someone elsewhere holds the keys to the emancipation of its people. “We have been deceived into believing someone somewhere else holds the keys to our emancipation,” Kapuuo said. Kapuuo, a community activist and teacher by profession, as well as the founder of the Omatako Expo, said he will focus on addressing the land issue, improving the deteriorating condition of schools, and revitalising youth activities as his top priorities. 

“We plan to work in cohesion with the community to better improve the issues of unemployment and the issues surrounding our health facilities,” he said, adding that he plans to engage the livestock sector to provide the best possible incentives for farmers. He further emphasised that politics has evolved beyond party politics, noting that political parties have failed to address the bread-and-butter issues of the masses.

“In the evolving world, we learn that politics go beyond party lines. Politics is the will of the people, and the will of the people changes based on the needs facing them at the time,” he added. He added that he has built a reputation and character grounded in responsibility, integrity and accountability, with a proven history in community service that includes sports, educational initiatives and farming, among other areas.

Kapuuo will compete against candidates from Nudo, Swapo, the Independent Patriots for Change, the Popular Democratic Movement, and another independent candidate for the constituency councillor’s position. -Nampa