EDITORIAL: The symbolism of Amupanda’s candidacy

Job Amupanda doesn’t have to win the presidential election in 2024 - entering the fray alone is a significant symbolic political victory. If he wins the actual election, God bless his administration.Here is a political scientist who is both shrewd and naïve – sometimes almost in equal measure. His many heroics have been undone by the collateral damage that has spared no current councillor at the City of Windhoek. For someone eyeing leading the country, a local council position was too naïve a position to contemplate.But in many other aspects, he has been a messiah in awakening a generation consumed by a deep slumber and inertia. Add to that some significant victories under his belt - such as stopping the construction of the new parliament or halting the implementation of the Financial Institutions and Markets Act (FIMA) last October - then his stocks are up again.We do not know whether he has already passed the electoral vetting processes, but if he has, his mere participation will inspire many young Namibians to dream again.You can argue all you want about the policies and the actions, but symbols matter too. And these include not only Amupanda’s age, but his moderate background as well. When he’s limping into an old-age home one day with a walking stick, many will look back to 2024 and sing his praises. For daring to stand up, even amid an overwhelming probability of defeat.

EDITORIAL: The symbolism of Amupanda’s candidacy

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-13

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EDITORIAL: The symbolism of Amupanda’s candidacy

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-13

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