Analyst weighs in on crowded presidential race

Former Congress of Democrats (CoD) parliamentarian Rosa Namises is the latest public figure to indicate an appetite for the presidential race when Namibians go to the polls later this year.

She said she is throwing her hat in the ring to ensure that women’s demands are promptly met.

With Namibia’s National Assembly and presidential elections on the horizon, a number of political parties and independent candidates will be on the ballot this year.

Some analysts see the emergence of smaller political parties and independent candidates as a healthy development that ensures political pluralism. In contrast, there are also fears that the mushrooming of presidential candidates could adversely impact opposition parties’ plot to unseat the ruling Swapo Party.

Fertile ground

According to political analyst Rui Tyitende, the country’s political landscape is fertile for any party to contest.

“If you look deeper into the substance and what the opposition is offering in terms of addressing challenges facing the country, you would realise that they offer little, therefore Swapo remains a dominant factor in our body politics,” he said.

Tyitende added that the dominance of the ruling party’s presidential candidates in past elections is another sign of Swapo’s supremacy.

“Yes, people are saying there is broader pool for voters to choose from, but the opposition is actually doing a disservice to themselves. Swapo operates with state machinery and they have political setups all over, coupled with unmatched resources."

Conducive environment

On Friday, Namises said she believes the environment is conducive for her to contest.

Despite women actively participating in countless programmes for gender equality and recognition in political spaces, their doors are not immediately opened, she said.

Without being swayed by titles or honours, Namises said she is committed to accommodating individuals from all political parties. “As women, we must seize this opportunity to ensure the demands we have been fighting for over the years are promptly met. Divert your vote to me and I will be your voice.”

She made the remarks at the launch of her campaign in Dolam, Katutura, saying her goal is to unite and propel Namibia towards social justice, protection and transparency.

Talking to Namibian Sun, she said she feels she is now qualified to serve the people and, drawing upon her experience, select the most capable minds to lead the country.

“I have fought for people’s rights and independence since childhood. I was the one thrown with stones and harassed for speaking up.”

She served as a parliamentarian for eight years and later as a community activist and leader. During the latter tenure, she set up an orphanage, community gardens and Women’s Solidarity Namibia, one of Namibia’s leading women’s rights groups, she narrated.

“We have changed the culture of silencing violence in Namibia, and empowered and protected women, children and the vulnerable.”

Key priorities

Namises' key priorities include addressing inequality and social injustice, which she said is crucial for building a fair and inclusive society. If voted into power, she will implement policies to reduce poverty, tackle gender inequality and ensure equal access to opportunities for youth and groups with special needs and people living on the fringes of society, she said.

According to her, more than winning the election, it’s about creating an accessible future for all - creating a future where children thrive, the economy flourishes and the environment is safeguarded.

“I believe in celebrating diversity and ensuring justice for all. I envision a nation where every voice matters, every individual is respected and every opportunity is attainable," the activist said.