SUPPORT: NDP president Martin Lukato speaks to supporters during a recent post-election briefing. PHOTO: ELIZABETH KHEIBES
SUPPORT: NDP president Martin Lukato speaks to supporters during a recent post-election briefing. PHOTO: ELIZABETH KHEIBES

NDP gears up for 2025 elections

Preparing for the polls
The NDP has launched a six-month national mobilisation campaign ahead of the 2025 regional and local authority elections.
Elizabeth Kheibes
The National Democratic Party (NDP) has announced a nationwide mobilisation drive aimed at strengthening its presence ahead of the November regional and local authority elections.

The party plans to contest in all 14 regions and across all towns with municipal status.

In a statement released by NDP leader Martin Lukato, the party thanked its supporters, leaders, and campaign teams for their role in recent victories and outlined key programmes and activities to be rolled out over the next six months.

"The President of the National Democratic Party extends heartfelt gratitude to the Namibian people, especially those who exercised their democratic right by voting for him and the NDP. We are deeply grateful to all our members and sympathisers who stood with us," the statement reads.

War strategy

The party credited its 2024 'Gorilla War’ campaign strategy for recent electoral gains.

It also paid tribute to its ground teams, regional commanders and artists who contributed culturally and musically to the campaign momentum.

Notable figures recognised for their contributions include deputy president for operations Mwilima David Mwilima; national treasurer Vincent Kalikahwi, national director for planning and logistics Dasken Matuka and national spokesperson Rsboom Mwemba Brenden.

The NDP also acknowledged musical groups such as Masokotwani Cultural Group, Black Mambas, and Trigger Group, whose performances, particularly during victory celebrations in Katima Mulilo, were described as instrumental to the campaign's emotional and cultural reach.

Shadow Cabinet and candidate call

Among the party's upcoming activities is the formation of a Shadow Cabinet, which will serve for the next five years.

All national and regional leaders, excluding those at the branch level, have been invited to submit applications.

“This Shadow Cabinet will provide strategic leadership and policy direction, ensuring that the NDP presents itself as a credible alternative to current governance structures,” said Lukato.

The party has also issued a nationwide call for members, supporters and new candidates to step forward and stand under the NDP ticket in the upcoming elections. Special emphasis is placed on individuals who support the party’s long-standing proposal for a federal system of governance.

Focus on grassroots engagement

NDP commanders and volunteers have been deployed across the country to mobilise at grassroots level, engaging communities, recruiting candidates and preparing for the polls.

“We encourage our members to interact with various tribes and cultural groups across the nation. Participation in all NDP structures is open to those who want to build a federal Namibia, united by equality and inclusion," said the statement.

With just under five months to go until the elections, the NDP has promised to intensify its presence on the ground, presenting itself as a people-centred alternative to existing political formations.

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-08

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