With the national elections fast approaching and 91% of the electorate now registered, many young Namibians face a challenging decision in selecting the presidential candidate to vote for. 

Finding the “perfect” presidential candidate has become as elusive as finding “Mr Right” in the Namibian dating scene, leaving first-time and previous voters uncertain. This indecision underscores a wider dissatisfaction with traditional parties, and a strong demand for genuine representation among young voters.

Peer pressure vs Informed voting?

Following the South African elections, Namibia saw a rise in civic education, with many organisations and media outlets encouraging voter registration. This led many eligible young people registering as voters before the August deadline. Now that registration is closed, many are unsure about who to vote for.

The voter education message: “It is your democratic right and it’s free” – may have motivated many young people to register, but the key question is whether they will vote. Social media and peer pressure, such as threats to unfollow or delete contacts, might have driven some to register out of obligation rather than genuine interest. When asked why they registered as voters, many young people might cite democratic rights and a desire for change as their reasons.

This mirrors a situation where our lecturer, Mr Rui Tyitende, found that only 5% of students were initially interested in voting, yet over 90% have now been registered. The real issue is not a lack of willingness but a lack of understanding of the voting process, evaluating candidates, and holding them accountable. Young voters need clearer guidance on making informed choices and understanding their impact, even if their preferred candidate does not win the election.

Actions speak louder than words!

In the competitive world of politics, candidates are full of promises as election day nears. Young voters now face the challenge of sorting through these pledges to find a credible candidate. With only a few months left, the focus should shift from promises to tangible results. Young voters, who expect tangible proof of progress, are frustrated by candidates offering only words without real action or changes. It’s crucial to assess past deliverables to gauge future performance, but candidates often deflect blame and struggle to connect with a generation that demands concrete evidence.

Adding to the frustration, only one party has so far released their manifestos, leaving 1.4 million voters without essential information on what to expect from those wanting their votes. This forces young voters to rely on outdated materials, underscoring the need for transparency and substantial evidence from candidates. There is too much at stake for us to take this lightly.

During the June and July holidays, civic education efforts increased but dissatisfaction with certain parties and the current political climate was widespread. This discontent complicates voters’ decision-making, especially with key issues at stake. For instance, the future of the new school curriculum, set to be five years old next year, remains uncertain. Debates continue over whether the country will shift to A-levels or revert to the old system, impacting Namibia’s global standing. This emphasises that the focus should be on fundamental resources like textbooks, not just technology like tablets. Young black Namibians are also concerned about issues of employment, climate change, budget allocation, and land ownership. Although some have considered a coalition government, fears of increased chaos have made this less appealing. With 27 November approaching, making the right choice is crucial. 

The dwindling number of viable candidates unwilling to address these challenges highlights the need for strong, effective leadership. The stakes are high, and we remain committed to an empowered Namibia.

The way forward… hopefully

As election day approaches, engaging young voters is crucial for political parties and candidates. The current indecision among youth highlights a need for meaningful representation rather than mere rhetoric. To address this, candidates must offer clear, accessible manifestos that outline their goals, methods, and estimated costs. They should also demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing the electorate’s needs through practical and impactful actions. Voters increasingly demand real accountability and action from their leaders. Candidates must prove their dedication through tangible results, ensuring their proposals are understandable and relevant to all Namibians. With 91% of the electorate registered as voters, candidates need to simplify the decision-making process and earn the trust of young voters. The future of Namibia depends on it, so let’s make sure we all head to the polls!

*Christa Shapaka is an education and youth activist.