RUNDU- President Hifikepunye Pohamba in no way meant to deter people from voting, but rather to emphasise the importance of the right to vote and the importance of democracy in the Namibian society.
In a media release issued by the presidency, Pohamba’s Special Advisor, Mukwaita Shanyengana, said people are encouraged to vote in a democracy, however, they may not be compelled to do so.
“On 13 December 2013, HE Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of the Republic of Namibia inaugurated the Tsumeb-Katwitwi road at Mpungu in Kavango West Region. Thereafter, he was quoted in the media as having said those who are threatening to boycott the 2014 elections should stay home if they do not want to vote,” said Shanyengana.
“The President also referred to a group that he met in 2009, who had said that unless the Rundu-Elundu road was tarred, they would boycott the 2009 elections.”
In the latest case, says Shanyengana, the group is threatening to boycott the 2014 elections unless a dispute between them and their traditional authority is resolved.
“The President stated that the government works according to planned policies and programmes for the whole country. It does not work under threats or implement development programmes because it is threatened by certain groups(s),” said the special advisor.
By Mathias Haufiku