WINDHOEK – As political parties prepare to contest the national elections in November, one of the issues that are crucial in their manifestos is how to fight graft and crime.
Political parties also bemoaned the increase in gender-based violence (GBV) that has been making headlines this year.
Some political parties want a complete overhaul of the judiciary system, while others are advocating for complete independence of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Here are their views on criminal justice:
The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) says in its manifesto that if elected they will ensure people are safe by increasing police visibility and making the criminal justice system more professional.
NEFF says it will create more permanent jobs for all police reservists and make sure they are visible in all communities.
“A NEFF government will guarantee the right of communities to assemble and protest with no intimidation from the police,” it says.
The National Democratic Party (NDP) says it will divide the police structures according to regions and “provinces.”
It says each region will have its own badge and uniform with national inspector generals and their deputies.
The All People’s Party (APP) says its government would review and reform all security institutions to reflect the whole Namibian population in its top and middle management structures.
It committed itself to ensure no one is marginalized in terms of promotion because of their historic past, tribe or on the basis of race.
“We shall establish an independent security commission made up of national security experts to evaluate and vet senior appointments to the police, the army, the navy and the prison’s service in order to ensure an all-inclusive and balanced structuring of our country’s security,” it states.
The Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) says the government has failed to uphold its principles of zero-tolerance for corruption and violence against women and children.
In its manifesto, the party says that if it were voted to power, it would improve the capacity of resources of the Namibian Police to effectively prevent and fight crime and also ensure efficient functioning of all anti-corruption structures and systems, whistle-blowing and blacklisting of corrupt companies and individuals.
RDP says it will enact a law that will impose a minimum of 60 years’ imprisonment on convicted rapists and murderers who shall be subjected to hard labour.
The Republican Party (RP) says corruption is an evil and sickness that has been allowed to take root in Namibia and as long as it is evident, it will continue to have a devastating impact on the social, economic and political development of the country.
“It is a pity that those who have expected to be liberated from oppression and poverty, the poor and unemployed, are particularly the ones who suffer most due to the high level of corruption,” says the RP in its manifesto.
If it wins the election the RP says it it will do whatever is necessary to ensure that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is allowed to effectively and without interference audit and monitor institutions and persons. Nothing is mentioned in the RP’s manifesto on how it would deal with crime.
Swanu says “feeling safe and feeling like a first class citizen should not be exclusive to a few Namibians based on race, economic wellbeing, gender, age or any other form of grouping.”
The party says the state of youth, the elderly and women leave much to be desired, especially the exceeding high rate of gender-based violence (GBV) and gruesome killing of Namibian women.
Swanu promises to reduce corruption by strengthening and empowering the offices of the auditor general and the ombudsman and provide financial support to women so that they do not stay in abusive relationships.
The DTA says it would computerize a networking system for courts all over the country and extend fast-track courts to all layers of the judiciary.
It would also reinterpret the age-old concept of community policing to reach out to the people, build bonds of friendship and trust.
The party adds it would also initiate a mission mode project for filling vacancies in the judiciary and double the number of courts and judges in the subordinate judiciary.
Swapo
Swapo has promised to continue placing a high premium on the safety and security of people and their properties and strengthen more efficient, responsive and confident execution service.
It says it would continue to reform legislation applicable to gender-based and domestic violence to prevent the two social ills.
Nudo believes the judiciary, the police and prison systems need an overhaul, because law enforcement agencies “cannot protect us because they are poorly trained and lack commitment and resources.”
It says state prosecutors are overwhelmed and demoralized by caseloads and the courts take too long to finalise cases and most criminals escape punishment.
The party states it would implement a mandatory timeframe for each case to improve efficiency of judgment and sentencing and make legal action affordable and accessible to all Namibians.