Voters demand service delivery, not empty promises

Thousands of voters across the country cast their votes in yesterday’s regional council and local authority elections, saying those elected should be prepared to deliver services – not slogans.

Many said they are tired of empty promises. Street vendor Fiina Haipinge from Endola said this year’s elections are not about party colours or political slogans, but about survival.

“I’ve been looking for work for years. I am tired of promises. This time I’m voting because I need a job, not speeches,” she said.

At Eenhana, Tertius Shatilwapo yesterday said he wants leaders who care about the community.

“A leader must serve the people and make decisions related to uplifting the community,” he said.

Linea Haimbodu from the same town said she wants councillors who understand the needs of the business community and who can bring roads and development to the town.

“We don’t want selfish leaders or those who are corrupt. We want hardworking leaders,” she said.

At Walvis Bay, Armand Herle Jr said he expects leaders to deliver on their promises.

“Our roads, I feel, are terrible at Walvis Bay. After the last rain, it got even worse. I really hope they will make a change there and improve the roads, because it is absolutely terrible to drive around here,” he said.

At Rundu, Sylvanus Nampweya said youth issues must be taken seriously.

“They must create employment and avoid doing illegal things in office,” he said.

Retired journalist Eberhard Hofmann, who voted at Elisenheim on the outskirts of Windhoek, said leaders must be responsible and focused on service delivery and safety.

“Our councillors must be responsible people with a good education and motivation to keep up good services, and they must care about everyone’s safety,” he said.

WILLING TO COLLABORATE

Voters’ expectations also come at a time when politics has become fragmented, with more associations as candidates for local authorities and independent candidates for regional councils.

While Swapo has commanded comfortable majorities in both presidential and parliamentary elections for over three decades, coalitions are likely to become the norm.

Coalitions allow political parties and associates to share power.

Former Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) Lüderitz mayor Phil Balhao this week said coalitions could be a “lifeline” for some parties.

“If opposition parties want to influence their decisions against a stronger opponent, a coalition is definitely the way to go. I see many parties moving in that direction,” he said.

He said coalitions are good as they prohibit one party from having too much control. Balhao said he believes Namibia should move to a two-party state, as the current model has created too many ideologies and deviations from goals.

Association for Localised Interests president Josef Kauandenge recently told The Namibian that the organisation is ready to enter into a coalition with like-minded associations.
“. . . because the business of local authority is different,” he said.

Landless People’s Movement spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa said the party is open to working with other political parties to achieve its goals.

“We have a track record of being able to seek out and also listen to political parties that are interested in working together, “ he said.

United Democratic Front (UDF) secretary general Daniel Tsaneb yesterday confirmed his party is willing to establish a coalition with other parties

“We, as the UDF, are firmly in this election race and aim to come out victorious in all the local authorities, as well as the constituencies in which we are contesting,” he said.

Imms Nashinge of the IPC kept his cards close to his chest.

“Let us talk once we cross that bridge,” he said.

RESIDENTS AT HEART

Republican Party president Henk Mudge this week said his party is willing to form a coalition with any party or association with the interests of residents at heart.

“For us it’s all about the quality of the councillors and their seriousness, so we are prepared to work and to enter into a coalition agreement with anybody, any party, any councillor who is prepared to work for the sake of our residents,” he said.

Walvis Bay Community Association (WBCA) candidate Elvis Gobs said the association is willing to enter into a coalition if it means getting more seats to influence decision-making.

“We do not want to work in isolation, because regardless of where we all come from, we are all serving the community with one common goal,” he said.

Community Representatives Organisation of Tsumeb representative Lisken Classen said the organisation would form coalitions with other associations and political parties, but this would be driven by common goals.

“We can’t say which parties or associations we are going to enter into with, but it would also not be all of them. But for the sake of our community that we represent, if it means getting more power via a coalition, we will certainly do so,” she said.

Gobabis Right to Shelter Foundation of Namibia representative Veronia Kuzeeko-Mokaleng also said they would enter into coalitions.

The Popular Democratic Movement and National Unity Democratic Organisation could not be reached for comment.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.