GOBABIS – Given its proven track record and people-centred service delivery approach, the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) is the only party that will bring about the desired development to the residents of Gobabis if voted into power in the upcoming elections. 

These remarks were made by the party’s councillor Uataviza Patire over the weekend. 

Patire, who is also the town’s deputy mayor, was on Saturday joined by the party’s supporters at an activation event at the town’s Paie Kamp location.

He called on the residents to vote wisely in the upcoming regional and local authority elections slated for 26 November.

Amongst the many issues that Nudo plans to tackle once given the mandate to govern, are the lack of decent housing, serviced plots, community empowerment programmes and job opportunities for the town’s youth. 

“Our people need hope and want solutions to their problems. We are ready to attend to their cry for proper service delivery. Nudo’s rich history and capabilities in the areas of service delivery to the citizens is well known. Here, in Gobabis and Omaheke at large, we have proven that we are the people’s only hope. The issue of housing as well as the lack of basic things such as water, electricity and sanitary facilities remains a challenge in many of our informal settlements. We intend to address all those issues,” said Patire. 

The 30-year-old budding politician, who last year became the youngest-ever councillor to assume the role of deputy mayor at the age of 29, stated that youth unemployment in Gobabis remains a thorny issue – one that Nudo plans to place special emphasis on. 

“We are committed to improving basic services in Gobabis’ informal settlements and working closely with the youth to ensure their involvement in the town’s development. I’m telling our supporters here in Gobabis that you have a young and energetic person in me, who is ready and willing to work for you and for the betterment of our town. Why vote elsewhere? Vote for Nudo, vote for change and vote for your future,” he campaigned.

Record 

In the national elections, Nudo has over the years been a perennial average performer. 

In 2004, the party won 4.1% of popular votes and three out of 78 seats under Kuaima Riruako, who ran as Nudo’s presidential candidate in the concurrent presidential elections.

 He only managed to garner 4.23% of the national vote. The 2009 National Assembly elections saw Nudo dropping to two seats after it won only 3.01% of the total votes. 

After Riruako’s death in 2014, veteran politician Asser Mbai took over as party president ahead of the 2014 National Assembly elections, which saw them retain their two seats. The 2019 National Assembly elections equally saw Nudo secure two seats under its first female president Esther Utjiua Muinjangue. 

However, the party suffered a massive blow in last year’s National Assembly elections.

 It could only secure one seat from 0.98% of the total votes.

The party’s dwindling popularity has been blamed on the ongoing internal bickering and lack of a clear political pathway and vision amongst Nudo’s supporters.

– ohembapu@nepc.com.na