One Hundred Percent Democracy is necessary

THE ruling party, aims for 72 seats (100%) in the National Assembly in the November 2009 elections.

It then promises real change you can believe in! What can the party do with 100 percent that it could not do with a two-thirds majority? Namibia is a secular democracy with a model constitution, with some entrenched clauses. These can’t be changed even with a 100 per cent majority. Democracy can only thrive in a society, which shares common values. Through informed concerned, critical debate, problems are addressed and society served. It works by and for the people, armed with a rational thinking ability and wiling and able, to make contributions for the common good. A society of illiterates, in the hands of scoundrels, can never be democratic (see Zimbabwe). Namibia is handicapped by intolerance to alternative ideas, among a largely illiterate electorate. Debate is anathema. Symbolism and slogans of dogma rule the day. The level of debate even in the National Assembly is often an embarrassment. Politics gives narrow access to power, influence and to privileged public resources. A one hundred percent majority results in an autocracy. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, in the absence of checks and balances. When President Pohamba became our Head of State, his core inaugural message was Zero Tolerance for Corruption and Waste of Public Resources. To expand the scope of the Ombudsman, the Anti-Corruption Commission was established. Unfortunately due to political expediency some perpetrators were more equal than others. Nepotism, entitlement, incompetence and predator corruption clouded the picture. Only small fish were caught. The present squabbling, witch hunting, back stabbing, in the ruling party, holds little promise of change, we can believe in. The best predictor of future performance is past performance. Information and transparent, accountable communication is the oxygen of good governance. Now the Voice of the Nation (NBC) has silenced the National Chat Show in an election year. Why? Democracy in Namibia is being kept alive by a vibrant free press and it being a prerequisite for foreign aid (NEPAD). Democracy in Namibia is being kept alive by a vibrant free press and it being a prerequisite for foreign aid (NEPAD). Democracy is imperfect just like us humans, but there is no better alternative. When Government fears the people it is a democracy, but if the people fear the Government it is an autocracy. A hundred percent majority will only be a ‘consensus democracy’ with sheep in heaven. The real questions for the informed critical voter in November 2009 is – am I, and the country, better off than five years ago? Are Government Ministries providing a satisfactory service? If not, who do I trust with my vote, to deliver on their manifesto promises? Let’s put Namibia first 100 percent of the time.A Luta ContinuaWindhoekNote: Real name and address provided – Ed