The People Have Choices

I BELIEVE every Namibian can accurately name our country’s most prominent economic and socio-political challenges.

In fact it would be difficult to find circles where unemployment, inequality, corruption, poverty, education and the resulting crime is not mentioned daily. There is no questioning that our people are not satisfied with the state of affairs, or believe that there can be huge improvements.We like to complain about these issues and are quick to blame our political leaders.We forget however that we choose those political leaders (those of us who still vote).So I have to ask myself – why do we choose the people we choose? I believe all Namibians should start asking this crucial question if they truly want the state of affairs to change! Do we know what the men and women running for leadership positions stand for? Do we question their capabilities, their strengths and their policies? Do we evaluate the solutions they propose? Next time we hear a seemingly passionate speech; from an aspiring politician or even a veteran forming new political parties; in which they scornfully criticise the current policy (we all already do that as I have mentioned) and confidently make promises related to the economy, education, the land issue, employment and the like- please take a brave step and ask them earnestly HOW they intend to do so.If they have real answers to your question (which I have several doubts about); make some effort to compare these solutions to the existing solutions being implemented (or not) by those currently in power.And then PLEASE – if you find they are just the same (as I suspect they will be) – inform the passionate speechmaker that you see no difference and ASK again – what makes them different? I know it will take some effort to find out what current policies are – I myself have in past voted for somebody because I liked their style and delivery of their speech and had no idea whatsoever of what they stood for.I had some opinion forced on me – but made no effort to investigate a political party’s objectives and purpose or how they intend to implement the policies.It does take some effort – but if we are serious about change – we need stand up and challenge leaders.Things don’t change until you make them change! So when the new party reveals itself and what it stands for – ASK QUESTIONS! Find out if it more of the same or is it in fact different! Don’t just jump on the bandwagon because we dissatisfied with current political parties.Otherwise we choose more of the same.Choosing a different party does not represent change unless the party is different.Decide whether it’s the same party with a different name or in fact a DIFFERENT party and then choose.It’s your choice – but make the choice informed! Choice is a powerful tool for change which should be carried out responsibly! A Heuer Via e-mail Note: You’re right of course, voters need to be more discerning.But on the other hand, the proportional system provides that one votes for the party rather than the person, and this tends to diminish the accountability and responsibility of individual politicians.Revision of the proportional system, or implementation of a mixed electoral system (a topic of debate and discussion) would need to be implemented to change the status quo. – EdThere is no questioning that our people are not satisfied with the state of affairs, or believe that there can be huge improvements.We like to complain about these issues and are quick to blame our political leaders.We forget however that we choose those political leaders (those of us who still vote).So I have to ask myself – why do we choose the people we choose? I believe all Namibians should start asking this crucial question if they truly want the state of affairs to change! Do we know what the men and women running for leadership positions stand for? Do we question their capabilities, their strengths and their policies? Do we evaluate the solutions they propose? Next time we hear a seemingly passionate speech; from an aspiring politician or even a veteran forming new political parties; in which they scornfully criticise the current policy (we all already do that as I have mentioned) and confidently make promises related to the economy, education, the land issue, employment and the like- please take a brave step and ask them earnestly HOW they intend to do so.If they have real answers to your question (which I have several doubts about); make some effort to compare these solutions to the existing solutions being implemented (or not) by those currently in power.And then PLEASE – if you find they are just the same (as I suspect they will be) – inform the passionate speechmaker that you see no difference and ASK again – what makes them different? I know it will take some effort to find out what current policies are – I myself have in past voted for somebody because I liked their style and delivery of their speech and had no idea whatsoever of what they stood for.I had some opinion forced on me – but made no effort to investigate a political party’s objectives and purpose or how they intend to implement the policies.It does take some effort – but if we are serious about change – we need stand up and challenge leaders.Things don’t change until you make them change! So when the new party reveals itself and what it stands for – ASK QUESTIONS! Find out if it more of the same or is it in fact different! Don’t just jump on the bandwagon because we dissatisfied with current political parties.Otherwise we choose more of the same.Choosing a different party does not represent change unless the party is different.Decide whether it’s the same party with a different name or in fact a DIFFERENT party and then choose.It’s your choice – but make the choice informed! Choice is a powerful tool for change which should be carried out responsibly! A Heuer Via e-mail Note: You’re right of course, voters need to be more discerning.But on the other hand, the proportional system provides that one votes for the party rather than the person, and this tends to diminish the accountability and responsibility of individual politicians.Revision of the proportional system, or implementation of a mixed electoral system (a topic of debate and discussion) would need to be implemented to change the status quo. – Ed