Linus Chata

The beauty of a democratic system of governance is that at predictable intervals in the country, citizens have an opportunity to make the shortest but very powerful statement (X on the ballot paper). 

This opportunity is seized by citizens through the process of elections. It is through an electoral vote that citizens express themselves on how the state should be governed through the leaders of their choice. 

A vote is a sacrosanct statement of confidence in the person who voted in a particular office. It is for this reason that voters should not be coerced to vote nor be uninformed about the candidates they are voting for. Accordingly, here is my humble contribution to voter education in this year’s elections. 

The following should never be campaign issues in these elections or any election, for that matter:

Age of the candidate

A candidate’s age is not a good predictor of good leadership and good governance. Exceptional leaders in history everywhere never achieved greatness on account of age. Winston Churchill was 65 when he became British Prime Minister and retired at the age of 76, Alexander the Great was 20 when he became king of Macedonia and by the time he died at age 33 he had conquered the world, and Barack Obama was 47 when he became president. So, age is just a number in leading a country. 

Gender

This too has never proved to be a factor of success in governance and leadership. Good leaders (male or female) succeed because of other attributes. If gender was a success factor Augusto Pinochet, Charles Taylor, and Benjamin Netanyahu would not have been indicted for the crimes they were accused of. 

Neither would Jezebel be cited in the Bible as an epitome of wickedness, and neither would Liz Truss resign after serving for only seven weeks as UK prime minister. 

Region of origin/tribe

While this factor is appealing to many, it has never been proven to be a factor of success in governance and leadership. In fact, it is a basic ingredient for national disaster and an enabler of corruption. Capabilities to run a country are not a privilege nor a province of citizens from any one region or tribe. These capabilities are possessed by citizens from any tribe who cared to develop them regardless of where they were born or which dialect they speak.  

Verbal fluency

The gift of oratory is not a leadership quality. An impeccable command of English grammar is not a good measure of one’s ability to lead a nation. If it was so, Uncle Bob, north of us would not have been removed from office in the manner he was removed. 

What this country needs and should look for in this year’s elections are leaders who are:

Patriotic

Patriotism in the true sense of the word. For example, one can love Namibia above all else but if such a person is myopic, they are not patriotic. A leader with a narrow vision is as dangerous as a divisive reckless one. 

Informed

Running a government requires leaders/politicians who have extensive knowledge and networks locally and abroad. National leaders should have a deep understanding and appreciation of the interconnectedness of things. And this is achieved through experience, learning and extensive networks.

Not frustrated

 Individuals who seek political office out of personal frustration are a danger to democracy and are not fit for the high calling of national leadership. Individuals with inflated egos and a sense of entitlement are a typification of bad leaders. I think there is a thing or two for Namibian voters to learn from the drama that is playing out in our southern neighbour. Someone called it the real “Animal Farm” story.

So, fellow Namibians, we have a very important task to perform this year. Go register and vote on 27 November 2024!

*Linus Chata, writes in his personal capacity as a free citizen.