Voters demand realistic promises

Several voters in the Khomas region have demanded realistic promises made by candidates vying for the regional council and local authority elections.

In just two and half weeks from now, Namibians will go to the polls on 26 November to cast their votes for their preferred candidate, but this has sparked mixed feelings among voters, as some have lost faith while others want promises fulfilled.

Speaking to The Namibian over the weekend, Josephine Haman from Windhoek Rural said she will not be voting again this year.

“I haven’t seen any real change in my community since the last elections,” she said.

She added that candidates should listen to people’s needs and not just make promises for their campaign.

“Consistent engagement and accountability matter more than speeches,” said Haman.

Vincentius Vries (23) from the Katutura East constituency says elected officials should display their commitment to serving Namibians and try their best to keep the promises made to the voters.

“We want to be heard, we want consistency and, most importantly, we want to be engaged,” he says.

He adds that all elected officials who use their positions not in accordance with the law should be dealt with and held accountable, which aligns with the president’s slogan, “it’s not business as usual.” Promises made should be kept, Vries says.

He adds that the youth need to sit at the table where big decisions are being made. This will be Vries’s first time voting in the regional council and local authority elections.

Another voter from Katutura Central, Uendjii Kandanga, says she will be voting because she is familiar with some candidates’ work in and outside politics and believes they will bring change.

However, she says candidates must make realistic promises.

“You can’t promise unrealistic goals, they must ensure they are feasible. Only then can we as voters truly buy into their promises,” says Kandanga.

Meanwhile, returning Swapo candidate John Moonde of the John Pandeni constituency, last Friday said he will focus on poverty reduction and food security.

He said many households in the constituency continue to face serious economic hardships and food insecurity.

“We are fast-tracking the establishment of community food support programmes to assist vulnerable households, particularly the elderly, unemployed and single-headed families,” he added.

Moonde said many residents have lost trust in councillors due to unmet expectations and limited engagement, and rebuilding such trust starts with honesty, transparency and accessibility.

Hence, he has made it a priority to communicate openly with residents by organising community meetings and outreach programmes.

Popular Democratic Movement Windhoek East constituency candidate Gabriella Stadhauer last week said many voters have lost trust in councillors because they often feel unheard after elections.

“I plan to rebuild that trust through consistent engagement, transparency and visibility. I will always make myself available for dialogue, constructive criticism and feedback,” she said.

Stadhauer added that leadership must be rooted in values and driven by service, and that is the commitment she is making to residents.

She will focus on crime prevention and community safety, infrastructure maintenance, urban cleanliness and social rehabilitation.

Affirmative Repositioning Aranos constituency candidate David Kharuchab yesterday said too often promises have been made without visible results.

He said regular community meetings where residents can voice their concerns and receive updates on council decisions and budgets must become a daily practice.

“Every councillor must be approachable and available, not only during elections, but throughout their term,” he said.

This means sharing clear progress reports and financial statements so people can see where money is going and what outcomes are being achieved, he added.

“Leading by example is essential. Integrity, fairness and a genuine commitment to serve, not to benefit personally, are the values that must guide us,” he said.

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