New political party on the block

WINDHOEK FAITH SANKWASA

The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has registered a new political party - the Christian Democratic Voice (CDV) - which intends to make its debut, and impression, in next year's general elections.
The party has been in existence since 2000, according to its founders, but only got its ECN blessings on March 14.
Two residents of Usakos, Gotthardt Kandume and Hans Rudolf Stramiss, are the brains behind the new political formation. They are the party's president and secretary-general respectively.
The party says it aims to vote a Christian politician who will be able to speak up issues and implement policies which are consistent with Christian values, but was quick to dismiss perceptions that it is exclusively for those subscribing to Christianity as a denomination.
Stramiss said CDV is the only Namibian pro-life political and Christian party that will endorse the Judeo-Christian principles enshrined in the Namibian Constitution, adding that spiritual leaders are needed in parliament to hold the balance of power.
He says both Swapo and the existing opposition parties have lost focus to fight for the nation.
The contrast of the rich and poor is very visible and wide. Look at the high levels of taxes, unemployment and poverty. CDV seeks to promote and uphold the life protective values that bind us all together, said Stramiss.
The party's first elective congress is slated for October this year, where the national and regional executives will be elected, its current leadership says.
After that it will embark on a mission to seek to refine and improve the current education sector, health, welfare, employment and address the housing issue and strengthen the international policy with Europe .
The party further promises to call for the decentralisation of the ownership of large-scale corporates, for people to have direct control over decisions.
CDV is the latest addition to the already congested Namibian political landscape. And if the ambition to cut its teeth in future elections become a reality, the party will lock horns with ruthless political forces such as Swapo, who for 23 years showed no mercy to its opponents.
Although CDV is led by largely unknown faces, its arrival on the block will surely bite a chunk off the electorate, which might only weaken the country's opposition further.
We will go through different stages to mature. We are promising that we will tackle issues that will see a fair distribution in natural resources, Stramiss said.