Namibia’s election 2024: Matters arising

The 2024 elections have come and gone, and once again, Namibia has shown the world what peaceful, democratic governance looks like. Between November 27 and 30, we cast our votes, made our voices heard, and took another step forward in our democratic journey. But as we reflect on this moment, let’s have an honest conversation about what these elections revealed both the good and the not-so-good.

It’s clear that the elections weren’t just about votes; they were about trust. And while the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) seems to be heading for a solid victory, the opposition, especially the Independent Patriots for Change(IPC) under Panduleni Itula, has left many with more questions than answers.

When Panduleni Itula launched the party, many of us saw it as a fresh alternative, a chance for something different. But this election has shown us a side of the IPC that’s hard to ignore.

Itula has been criticized for a lack of transparency and for questionable ties to foreign powers. Can we talk about the meetings he held with Western representatives just before the elections? These meetings, paired with his long history in the UK and his British-born wife’s dealings with European investors, have raised eyebrows.

And then there was the visit by the British High Commissioner, Charles Moore, to an IPC event. Sure, diplomacy is normal, but the timing? It wasn’t great. It felt like a slap in the face to those of us who prioritize Namibia’s sovereignty.

Now let’s turn to SWAPO. If the early results are anything to go by, Namibians are once again choosing stability over chaos. SWAPO’s message of inclusivity and sovereignty seems to have struck a chord with many of us.

There’s also a chance we’ll see Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah become Namibia’s first female president. That’s not just historic, it’s a proof that SWAPO is still moving forward, offering a vision of progress and unity that resonates with voters.

Here’s another issue that’s been hard to stomach: the way the IPC handled criticism. Allegations of using bots to silence critics and intimidate dissenters? That’s not how democracy works.

And then there’s the case of Ou Xam Tangeni, the blogger who spoke out against the IPC and mysteriously disappeared. While there’s no proof linking the IPC to this, it is incidents like these that make people question the party’s commitment to democracy.

Namibians love peace that’s who we are. So when we hear allegations about the IPC training militants in Zimbabwe or posts on their Facebook page calling for riots, it’s upsetting.

Facebook removed their page for violating its guidelines, but the damage has been done. For many of us, these actions painted the IPC as reckless and dangerous. That’s not the Namibia we want, and it’s certainly not the kind of leadership we deserve.

Despite all the drama, one thing is clear: Namibia’s democracy is solid. We went to the polls, we voted peacefully, and we reminded the world that we are committed to stability and unity.

These elections should serve as a lesson for all politicians and citizens alike. Trust, accountability, and dialogue aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re what make our democracy work.

For the IPC, the message is clear: Namibians want leadership they can trust. The party’s controversial tactics and its failure to address concerns about foreign ties have cost them.

For SWAPO, this election reinforces what many of us already knew: stability and progress win hearts. Their ability to connect with the values that matter to Namibians has put them in a strong position to lead us into the future.

So, as we wait for the final results, let’s take a moment to reflect. This is our Namibia. Let’s keep building it on the foundations of trust, peace, and unity. Together, we can move forward stronger than ever.

Shipanga, a public affairs commentator, writes from Windhoek.