A mindset metamorphosis
The upcoming local and regional authority elections represent an opportunity for the country to finally move away from harking back to past victories and struggles.
As many have opined over the years, liberation and the glorification of battles won decades ago cannot provide food, work or shelter for the impoverished masses.
The upcoming polls could thus further cement a change in mindset for Namibian voters, while a more even spread of political power at the coalface of service delivery - regional and local councils - should deck the table for incoming leaders to focus on prioritising delivery, as opposed to being comfortable with ‘ruling’.
This will also hopefully signal the death knell for the shameful practices of political patronage, nepotism and corruption, where resources serve only an elite few.
With a more transient vote, based on issues and delivering on election promises, leaders will be faced with the irresistible fact that they will be shown the door, should they not live up to the expectations of voters.
As we get caught up more and more in the contestation ahead of next month’s elections, it is also noteworthy that debates have moved away from so-called struggle credentials, or lack thereof, to a playing field where antagonists have been forced to focus on voters, their needs and aspirations for the future.
This augurs well for the deepening of democracy and placing real power in the hands of the people.
As many have opined over the years, liberation and the glorification of battles won decades ago cannot provide food, work or shelter for the impoverished masses.
The upcoming polls could thus further cement a change in mindset for Namibian voters, while a more even spread of political power at the coalface of service delivery - regional and local councils - should deck the table for incoming leaders to focus on prioritising delivery, as opposed to being comfortable with ‘ruling’.
This will also hopefully signal the death knell for the shameful practices of political patronage, nepotism and corruption, where resources serve only an elite few.
With a more transient vote, based on issues and delivering on election promises, leaders will be faced with the irresistible fact that they will be shown the door, should they not live up to the expectations of voters.
As we get caught up more and more in the contestation ahead of next month’s elections, it is also noteworthy that debates have moved away from so-called struggle credentials, or lack thereof, to a playing field where antagonists have been forced to focus on voters, their needs and aspirations for the future.
This augurs well for the deepening of democracy and placing real power in the hands of the people.
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Namibian Sun
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