EDITORIAL: Are Namibians growing weary of traditional political parties?
As Namibia approaches the November regional councils and local authority elections, the country is witnessing a notable surge in residents’ and ratepayers’ associations. This wave of grassroots mobilisation comes five years after a pivotal shift in the political landscape, when independent candidates captured voters’ imagination. In 2020, Paulus Mbangu left Swapo and went on to defeat the ruling party candidate, signalling that the electorate was willing to embrace alternatives to the established political order.
This raises a pressing question: are Namibians growing weary of traditional political parties, and if so, why?
One factor may be a perceived disconnect between political parties and the daily realities of ordinary citizens. Many voters express frustration with unfulfilled promises, sluggish service delivery, and the sense that party loyalty often outweighs effective governance. In this environment, independent candidates and community-based associations provide a more direct avenue for residents to influence decisions that affect daily life - from water and electricity supply to housing and local infrastructure.
Accountability and transparency also play a critical role. Long-standing parties frequently face criticism for patronage, internal factionalism, and opaque decision-making. Independent candidates, unencumbered by party structures, can position themselves as responsive and free from political baggage.
There is also a generational dimension to consider. Younger voters, increasingly exposed to global ideas through social media and other platforms, are more willing to challenge established hierarchies. They seek solutions rather than slogans, and are less inclined to support governance based solely on historical loyalty.
The rise of residents’ and ratepayers’ associations, along with the success of independents like Mbangu, does not necessarily herald the end of traditional parties. But it is a clear signal that Namibians are exploring new forms of political expression, seeking leaders who are accountable, approachable, and capable of delivering tangible results.
This raises a pressing question: are Namibians growing weary of traditional political parties, and if so, why?
One factor may be a perceived disconnect between political parties and the daily realities of ordinary citizens. Many voters express frustration with unfulfilled promises, sluggish service delivery, and the sense that party loyalty often outweighs effective governance. In this environment, independent candidates and community-based associations provide a more direct avenue for residents to influence decisions that affect daily life - from water and electricity supply to housing and local infrastructure.
Accountability and transparency also play a critical role. Long-standing parties frequently face criticism for patronage, internal factionalism, and opaque decision-making. Independent candidates, unencumbered by party structures, can position themselves as responsive and free from political baggage.
There is also a generational dimension to consider. Younger voters, increasingly exposed to global ideas through social media and other platforms, are more willing to challenge established hierarchies. They seek solutions rather than slogans, and are less inclined to support governance based solely on historical loyalty.
The rise of residents’ and ratepayers’ associations, along with the success of independents like Mbangu, does not necessarily herald the end of traditional parties. But it is a clear signal that Namibians are exploring new forms of political expression, seeking leaders who are accountable, approachable, and capable of delivering tangible results.
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Namibian Sun
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