WALVIS BAY – Swapo celebrated in style in Walvis Bay over the weekend. 

The party won all seven constituencies, taking full control of Erongo region.

The party also emerged as the biggest winner in the local authority elections, securing 25 of the 60 local authority council seats across the region.

The party reclaimed Walvis Bay, winning five seats, while Swakopmund and Arandis each gave the party four seats. 

Opposition parties, including the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), United Democratic Front (UDF), Landless People’s Movement (LPM), Rally for Progress (RP), Affirmative Repositioning (AR), Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO), Swakopmund Residents Association (SRA) and Joint Walvis Bay Residents Association (JWBRA) shared the remaining seats. 

IPC took 13 seats, with UDF taking 11, with smaller parties filling the rest.

The results are a major turnaround from the last elections when Swapo lost control of Walvis Bay to IPC. 

At the time, IPC held the deciding vote through a coalition with PDM. 

This time, PDM failed to win any seats in Walvis Bay, giving Swapo a clear majority.

Uis made history, as the town will now have a local authority council for the first time after decades of being governed as a village council. 

This change will give residents more say in running local affairs.

Swapo’s district coordinator for Walvis Bay Patrick Bathromeas on Saturday told New Era that they are ecstatic about the outcome of the elections. 

According to him, the party’s first mission was to reclaim Walvis Bay.

He said, now that they are back in the driving seat, the party would focus on repairing and renewing the town while promoting unity within the council. “Achieving this will require cooperation in the council chamber. Let me make it clear: Swapo is ready to work with every councillor as long as the needs of residents are the common goal,” he said.

Barthomeus added that they will focus on service delivery and infrastructure, particularly housing and waste management. 

“Our councillors will make sure services are restored to normal. The municipality has already bought trucks, which is a step in the right direction. Roads and housing remain our main priorities,” he added.

Incoming Walvis Bay rural constituency councillor Ruben Shikongo added that he is ready to lead from the constituency and continue what was built by his predecessors. 

“I am honoured by the trust placed in me and ready to serve the people of my constituency,” he said.

Opposition parties have reflected on their performance, with PDM regional coordinator for Erongo Roger Nautoro saying the results show weaknesses within the opposition rather than a stronger mandate for Swapo. 

He noted that internal divisions and lack of coordination among opposition parties contributed to the outcome.

“The opposition did not lose to Swapo the opposition lost to itself,” Nautoro said.

He then called upon opposition parties to unite and prepare for future elections to position themselves for better results in the 2029 National Elections and the 2030 Local Authority Elections. 

“A united opposition that puts national interest above personal ambition will regain voter confidence,” Nautoro added.

Outgoing Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes did not respond to questions sent to him. 

However, IPC regional chairperson for Erongo Aloisius Kangulu yesterday told New Era that the party would issue a statement on the election outcome soon.

– edeklerk@nepc.com.na