Parties accused of tree abuse
Ongha residents in Ohangwena have expressed concern over political parties using nails to hammer campaign posters into trees.
The All People’s Party (APP) and the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) have nailed their posters into one particular tree, which is used for shade by street vendors.
The same tree also has Swapo and Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) flags hoisted on it.
Ongha resident Matheus Immanuel says the people are particularly unhappy with nails being hammered into the tree for the sole purpose of putting up posters.
“I wouldn’t mind so much if the parties put up their flags on the tree, as Swapo and RDP have done, but we really have an issue with nails being hammered into the tree because it destroys the tree,†said Immanuel.
He added that posters can be put up on streetlights and on billboards and that it was not necessary to have them on trees, especially trees used on a daily basis by people who belong to different political
parties.
“To avoid situations where different political party flags are hoisted on one tree, the suggestion of the people of Ongha is that only the winning party be allowed to keep their flag after the elections,†Immanuel added.
During a Swapo gathering at Ohangwena in August to campaign for the Ohangwena Constituency by-elections, ruling party presidential candidate Hage Geingob addressed the issue of political party flags on trees, and said those with issues are free to hang up their own flags.
“Some people have taken issue with Swapo flags on trees. No one is stopping you from putting up your flag. Put up one and we will put up 20. Put up 10 and we will put up 50,†Geingob said at the
time.
ONGHA MERJA IILEKA
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