EDITORIAL: AR enters the fray
The confirmation by the Electoral Commission of Namibia that the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement has applied to register as a political party comes at a time when underground jostling in the ranks of political parties is gaining traction.
AR leaders have for years reiterated that they have no plans to turn the pressure group into a political outfit, often citing that they would rather remain an activist movement and fight for the land needs of Namibians.
November 2014 signified the journey towards land provision for Namibians, one so intense that government had to bow to public pressure and enter into a land pact with the movement in 2015.
However, the movement has seemingly lost steam over the years, a situation compounded by internal bickering and clashes over its direction.
The disunity within the movement was used by government as an opportunity to extract itself from AR’s grip. It therefore comes as no surprise that those who oppose the existence of AR use the failed land promises as a tool to discredit the movement.
AR has learnt the hard way that making noise from outside plays out differently once you enter the playing field.
But be that as it may, Namibians have a lot to be grateful for as far as AR’s existence is concerned, especially from a public governance perspective. The movement has undoubtedly kept government on its toes by exposing shady public deals and calling out corrupt and unscrupulous public officials who fill their pockets at the country’s expense.
AR leaders have for years reiterated that they have no plans to turn the pressure group into a political outfit, often citing that they would rather remain an activist movement and fight for the land needs of Namibians.
November 2014 signified the journey towards land provision for Namibians, one so intense that government had to bow to public pressure and enter into a land pact with the movement in 2015.
However, the movement has seemingly lost steam over the years, a situation compounded by internal bickering and clashes over its direction.
The disunity within the movement was used by government as an opportunity to extract itself from AR’s grip. It therefore comes as no surprise that those who oppose the existence of AR use the failed land promises as a tool to discredit the movement.
AR has learnt the hard way that making noise from outside plays out differently once you enter the playing field.
But be that as it may, Namibians have a lot to be grateful for as far as AR’s existence is concerned, especially from a public governance perspective. The movement has undoubtedly kept government on its toes by exposing shady public deals and calling out corrupt and unscrupulous public officials who fill their pockets at the country’s expense.
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Namibian Sun
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