Namibia’s electoral processes have been civil for years.
It was disheartening to see an ugly war of words erupt between political leaders such as Swapo’s Sophia Shaningwa and Independent Patriots for Change spokesperson Imms Nashinge at the ECN’s head office yesterday.
Party representatives were fuming after ECN officials allegedly allowed Shaningwa to sit in the lobby of chief electoral officer Peter Shaama’s office while they assembled on the ground floor.
Nashinge accused Shaningwa of being a “Zanu-PF thug”.
The confrontation was so tense the police had to intervene.
In the heat of the moment, various leaders will also make statements if not calls for action.
Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda, who is disputing the election results, has urged people to “occupy the streets” and “shut down everything” to protect the right to vote.
Yes, emotions are running high, but we need considered leadership and clarity of thought.
In the midst of the frustrations and disappointments, take stock and remember what’s at stake: Namibia is on the threshold of a critical stage in its democracy.
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