It wasn't war - Geingob

President Hage Geingob, whose popularity waned by 31% from his 87% in the 2014 general election to 56% in the just-ended 2019 poll, has admitted that this year's presidential election was a tough one.The results announced by Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) chairperson Notemba Tjipueja revealed that Geingob received 464 703 (56.3%) out of a possible 826 198 votes.While accepting the outcome of the election on Saturday night, Geingob acknowledged he faced stiff competition from his 10 competitors to retain his position.He was, however, quick to note that the election was not a war, but a contest of ideas and programmes.In his victory speech, he urged those that participated in the election to hold hands, as Namibia is the only country they have.“I said that this is the only country that we can call home. This was not a war on enemies. We are exercising our democratic right,” he said, adding the ECN had accomplished what he termed a very difficult task.“I would like to thank those who were participating (competing) in the elections, it was tough. I campaigned like hell, otherwise I couldn't be standing here. There is always a loser and winner if you go into an election or boxing ring,” he said. “Competition was tough. [But] I emerged as the victor. Yes, it is a high responsibility. It's not a joke… I was there already, so I will just continue. But there is a winner and a loser. But in this case, democracy was the greatest winner.”The head of state also congratulated Utjiua Miunjangue of Nudo, who was the first female presidential candidate to participate in the national elections.“It's a good start,” he said, as Miunjangue nodded in agreement.He also commended the manner in which political parties and the independent presidential candidate conducted themselves during their election campaigns. Geingob then addressed his own performance.“I would have said I am cheated because last time I got 87%, but am I going to say I am cheated, because I got 51% or 56%? That's what I got apparently. I will accept it, for there is a winner and loser,” he said.In the National Assembly, Swapo lost its two-thirds majority, something its leader took note of.Swapo now has 63 seats in the National Assembly, meaning it lost 14 seats during this year's election.Commenting on the outcome of the National Assembly election, Geingob said the next parliament will be interesting to watch, as it will be composed of a variety of political parties.NAMPA

It wasn't war - Geingob

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-16

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It wasn't war - Geingob

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-16

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