MAKANGA – National Democratic Party (NDP) President Martin Lukato says his party will free every Namibian from economic bondage once elected into power.
Lukato, the leader of the little-known minority NDP, likened his party’s ideologies to the biblical Moses who was chosen to lead the Israelites out of slavery, adding that his party is “inclusive” because its members are from all ethnic tribes in Namibia.
“This is your time to vote for NDP. NDP will free you from your bondage just like Moses freed the Israelites. I am willing to sacrifice my life for you, even die while leading you. Swapo is destroying our lives. Our aim is to free all Namibians irrespective of ethnic tribe,” he charged.
Lukato who was speaking at his first campaign rally at Makanga in the Zambezi, about 80 kilometres west of Katima Mulilo, accused the ruling party of plundering the country’s natural resources at the expense of the majority.
“This country is very rich in minerals but you the people don’t benefit anything. They are busy exporting our resources to overseas countries.
When we are voted into power we will make sure we empower the youth to add value to our resources locally,” promised Lukato.
According to Lukato, despite transport and financial challenges his party faces which he blames on the ruling party as cheap tactics to block smaller parties to advance politically, the NDP continues to grow by leaps and bounds.
“I cannot reach all places in Namibia at the moment because as small parties we’re neglected but my voice can reach all corners of Namibia. Swapo Party is busy lying to you. They are stealing public resources every day. Have you had a minister from this area since independence? NDP is an inclusive party. All the tribes are on the party list of 96 candidates for the parliamentary elections,” said Lukato.
Lukato further stated NDP has always favoured a federal system of government and noted that Namibia was slowly drifting towards a one party state because of Swapo.
“We are calling for a federal system of government. Everywhere you go NDP is praised for this ideology. Swapo wants a one party state. Look at what happened in Zambia, Angola and Zimbabwe. When you talk they arrest you,” he said.
He said other opposition parties are all the same as most of them are Swapo breakaways.
“All the other political parties are breakaways from Swapo. They offer no solution. The ruling party is busy stealing your money. Now they keep building state houses for retiring presidents while you suffer,” lamented Lukato.
Lukato also made a bold announcement he would free all high treason suspects he called political prisoners should he be voted into power.
“NDP will free all political prisoners when voted into power. These people should not be in prison if we truly live in a democracy. Swapo is only bringing discrimination and corruption in this country. They just keep enriching themselves,” alleged Lukato.
He further promised free education up to tertiary level, free health care and grants for the unemployed.
“NDP promises free education up to tertiary level, free health care and grants for those without jobs so that they have something to survive on,” said the former police officer.