Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) president McHenry Venaani says his party is aiming to diminish the ruling Swapo Party’s vote share to below 40%.
Speaking at his party’s central committee meeting in Opuwo on Friday, Venaani said the recent shifts in South Africa’s political landscape, where the once-dominant African National Congress (ANC) has relinquished its majority after three decades, are a clarion call for democracy throughout southern Africa.
The ANC had dominated South African politics since winning in the first post-apartheid elections 30 years ago. In 1994, after the first multiparty elections where the majority of South Africans voted for the first time, the ANC took 62% of the vote.
In the next election in 1999, the ANC garnered 66.35% of the vote. Five years later, the ANC under Thabo Mbeki increased the party’s vote to 69.69%. However, the 2009 elections saw the party losing some support, with 65.90% of the vote. The 2014 general election showed further decline in the iconic liberation struggle party winning 62.15% of the vote under Jacob Zuma. It won 57% in 2019, and fell to 40% in last month’s election.
The ANC remains the biggest party, despite the massive loss of support since 2019 elections, as that country struggles with deep poverty and inequality. The country has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, and voters also blamed the ANC for shortages of clean water, electricity, housing and other services. “This historic event serves not only as a source of inspiration, but as a harbinger of hope for all those who champion the principles of freedom, justice and equality,” said Venaani.
The leader of the official opposition in Parliament said while the recent electoral upheaval in South Africa has undoubtedly reinvigorated movement leaders’ spirits, they must remain vigilant in the face of newfound challenges.
He went on to say that similar to recent events in South Africa, “it appears that Swapo’s governance is nearing its conclusion.”
In the 2019 elections, Swapo candidate Hage Geingob was re-elected to the presidency, although his vote share was reduced from 87% in 2014 to 56%, their lowest share for a presidential election in the party’s history.
Swapo also retained its majority in the National Assembly, but lost the two-thirds majority it held since the 1994 elections.
“Perhaps Jesus is returning earlier than expected, because Swapo members sang like canaries that they would rule until Jesus comes,” he said.
Venaani further noted that it is imperative for party leaders to communicate effectively with the electorate about the party’s mission, which includes commitment to a non-racial, fair and egalitarian society where opportunity is not a privilege, but a birthright.
“It is incumbent upon us to articulate our vision for a future where every Namibian has the opportunity to fulfil their potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. As we embark upon the arduous task of mobilising support for our cause, let us not lose sight of the practical realities that underpin our electoral success,” he said.
The PDM president further said while they take pride in the progress they have made in expanding the party’s reach and attracting a new generation of young leaders, they must not rest on their laurels.
“The pace never lets up, especially not in a year as crucial as this.
Elections, as we are keenly aware, are ultimately won by the numbers, and it is imperative that we redouble our efforts to mobilise support in every corner of our nation,” said Venaani.
-Nampa