“Politicians are more concerned about the next election; leaders are more concerned about the next generation” (Dr Myles Munroe) The Namibian political space is brimming with ambitious political candidates who are selling their credentials to serve on the altar of the next government or party structures, but sadly very few matchups to the traits of a leader. In fact, many candidates appear to be severely lacking in some of the most essential qualities of a good leader, such as compe tence, integrity, authenticity, and accountability.

Politics and leadership define the destiny of any country, hence the need to identify leaders who will transform our political space and not people who seek power for a variety of reasons such as improving their selfworth, giving them a sense of control, being able to have their voices heard, to have a seat in the room…you name it.

We have seen that in the past elections, but more importantly, we are seeing that in the type of candidates currently scrambling for a piece of the CC of the ruling party.

During this campaign escapade, there are many sweet talkers who are good at lobbying, praising, and boosting the feelings of the delegates, who feel that they have to support a comrade, someone who will have their back which will make them feel safe. Consequently, delegates should be careful and scan the characteristics and intentions of candidates to differentiate politicians from leaders.

Politicians are self-serving Through experience, one can tell that there is a handful of politicians that comes near to the principles of leadership and shows strong indicators of a successful political leader. Those who are observant and critical had seen most politicians always aligning with popular public opinions, bragging about past achievements, and evading those who cry for better services.

They mostly campaign for an election for their selfish ambitions, interest in power, position, and all the entitlements attached for the sake of it, or most times for selfish reasons, many are thinking about their prosperity (cars they will drive, suburb they will locate to).

During the campaign period, we are observing how politicians are adjusting their clothes or accent to relate to the people they are with at the moment or to be accepted.

Politicians are people who are relationship-focused. Whatever their motives, they focus on how they can use their relationships to navigate their career and secure resources for themselves and their cronies. Thomas Sowell insinuated that “No one will really understand politics until they understand that politicians are not trying to solve citizens’ problems. They are trying to solve their own problems—of which getting elected and re-elected are number one and number two.

Whatever is number three is far behind.” Leaders are principled Leaders align with proven principles and values even when they are not in line with public sentiments, a leader raises support to advance a worthy cause for their nation’s development. They are interested in getting support for the development and emancipation of their people even at the expense of positions, entitlements, and or their life. A leader embraces all citizens’ diverse ideas and sees them as potential partners they can work with.

They build their teams based on competence, shared vision, and values whether they are loyal or not. Leaders remain true to themselves in very different situations and are willing to take the heat for speaking the hard truth. Vengeance is not in their dictionary because they know their opinions are not always the best and embrace diverse opinions for their personal and professional growth. 

Risk to democracy Our democracy seems to be threatened by the disillusionment of people who are going through, many social and economic challenges. Thus, more far-sighted and unselfish leaders of merit are needed, to get them out of the mess they're in rather than more politicians who will not be able to navigate the challenges. Although in a democracy people decide on the government they want through elections, the agony is, in Namibia, they don`t have the luxury to decide on the type of candidates to serve them. It is more disconcerting that those who are fielded are forced on them by the parties who have the power to decide on whom to field without considering the merit of that candidate.

The only choice electorates have is either to abstain or out of loyalty to the party, choose the party. It is an immense mistake to think that the abstention of people, especially the generation X, the millennials, and the generation Z from voting means they are not aware of today’s social problems, the inequalities their generation faces, nor their willingness to act.

Growing evidence suggests that it is a lack of faith in politicians to solve today’s pressing challenges, rather than ignorance of the stakes involved.

Fai l i ng to examine generational engagement trends may be a serious blind spot— and thus a threat to democracy. It is a question that merits closer examination.

When generations disengage, they are often saying they don’t have a high level of confidence or trust in existing political entities. They may also want to “opt out” because they perceive that their generation is not being heard or treated fairly. Whatever their reasons, generational disengagement will ultimately have negative impacts beyond democratic engagement with potential shockwaves on political stability More visionary leaders are key With a challenge this large, and with so much at stake, more visionary political leaders are needed to prioritise generational disillusionment and seek ways to turn the tide. It is my humble plea to the delegates of different political parties to feed the electorates with meritocratic leaders although we know they are in short supply.

Candidates who will tackle the economic challenges and lift many out of poverty and not politicians who are corrupt/or uncaring and only know some parts of the constituencies during elections.

Politics should be a passion to serve, therefore, it is infinitely important to put the “NEXT GENERATION” higher on the agenda than “THE NEXT ELECTION’!

Namibians are tired of selfinterested and sycophantic politicians.