Pohamba urges fair politics

PRESIDENT Hifikepunye Pohamba has called upon all Namibians to respect the law during this year’s national elections.

In a two-hour speech delivered at a Swapo rally at Ohangwena on Saturday, the President called on his party’s members to ensure that election campaigns are conducted in a free, fair and peaceful atmosphere.
He specifically called on Swapo leaders to use their influence to persuade party members to toe the line in his address which was largely conciliatory in tone.
‘Let us, at all costs, avoid provocative acts which could incite violence, because we in Swapo are fully committed to a free, fair and peaceful election’, he said, adding that Swapo had everything to lose if Namibia was plunged into anarchy.
‘We look forward to credible, peaceful, free and fair elections this year, that will be a historic one, because it will put some political parties in the dustbin of history,’ he said. He urged that Swapo use the power of persuasion to do so.
Pohamba said Namibia needs peace and stability, which are the most important building blocks for any successful and prosperous nation, because without them the country will not be able to achieve its development objectives.
‘All Namibians should work towards the common goal of creating a more stable and peaceful Namibia,’ the President said.
‘Namibia’s young democracy needs to be nurtured to become stronger,’ he added.
‘Although the tree of democracy has grown deep roots in our soil, we must nurture it further so that our citizens can continue to reap its fruits for many years to come.’
He said the Swapo Government has done a lot for development, such as building schools, hospitals, roads and railways and providing education, water and electricity and he listed a number of these projects.
‘Swapo’, he said, ‘takes pride in advocating the principle of one Namibia, one nation. We take pride in advocating the spirit of national reconciliation. We take pride in promoting peace, security, stability and tolerance in our country. We take pride in rejecting tribalism, regionalism, ethnicity, racism, sexism and nepotism with the contempt they deserve’.
He called upon Namibians to support Swapo and not to listen to opposition party leaders who are telling them that Swapo has done nothing for development in this country and that the President has lost vision.
He also exhorted the youth to respect elderly persons and leaders, especially those Swapo veterans who established Swapo, and fought for its existence. He cited Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, Simon Mzee Kaukungwa, Sam Nujoma and others.He was perturbed by some who insulted senior leaders and tried to create hatred and confusion.
‘I know, our senior leaders, Sam Nujoma included, are human beings and can make mistakes, but is not to say we have then to insult and disrespect them,’ Pohamba said. ‘… The youth of today seems not to know that we have senior leaders who have contributed much to the liberation struggle of this country, paved the way for freedom and independence, and thus deserve respect’, the President added, singling out Mzee Kaukungwa and Minister Charles Namoloh as people who have really sacrificed. He asked the two to stand to be seen by the gathering.
The President also urged civil servants to be loyal to the Government of the day and to serve it with loyalty and dignity.
Although several Swapo ‘heavyweights’ were in attendance, notable in their absence were party vice-president Hage Geingob and Secretary General Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana. The President however, said that they had tendered their apologies and sent ‘comradely greetings’. Oshana Governor Klemens Kashuupulwa and Omusati Governor Sackey Kayone were not present.