On November 27, general elections began in Namibia. For logistical reasons, the Electoral Commission decided to extend the process until November 30.
The main opposing parties entered the elections with high expectations for their results.
The ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) party, which has been in power since Namibia’s independence in 1990, aimed to improve on its less-than-stellar performance in 2019 when it barely managed to maintain a parliamentary majority.
The main opposition came in the form of the young Independent Patriots for Change(IPC) party, led by Panduleni Itula. By the time of the elections, the IPC already held a significant number of seats in parliament and was striving not only to deprive SWAPO of its majority but also to secure the presidency for itself.
While the final results are not yet known, one can already draw a clear conclusion: the opposition has failed to achieve its ambitious goals.
The IPC’s election campaign can be described as a failure.
This means that another African party that led its country to independence will, despite earlier predictions, likely retain the main levers of power.
Notably, SWAPO has managed to do this through transparent democratic processes.
The opposition’s poor results are not accidental but reflect numerous miscalculations during the campaign. This article will examine several of these missteps.
The Controversial Leadership of Panduleni Itula
A significant factor in the opposition’s struggles lies in the controversial personality of its leader, Panduleni Itula.
Despite his support among certain social groups in Namibia, he has been embroiled in numerous scandals over the years.
The election campaign was no exception. In one incident, Itula was caught in a lie regarding his connection to SWAPO.
He had claimed that he was not a member of the SWAPO party, only of an organization with the same name that fought for Namibia’s independence.
However, an old video surfaced online showing Itula making the opposite claim, in which he explicitly identified himself as a SWAPO member.
Adding to this was another controversial statement by Itula in June, when he alleged that Namibia’s constitution was written by Western countries.
This statement sparked widespread indignation in Namibia and was repeatedly debunked with documented evidence.
These scandals undermined Itula’s credibility and detracted from the IPC’s attempts to present itself as a trustworthy alternative to SWAPO.
Manipulation of Public Opinion
The IPC’s problems extended beyond its leadership.
In late November, the South African outlet IOL published an investigation revealing that the IPC had used paid commentators to simulate popular support.
The investigation provided evidence of various public opinion manipulation techniques, including creating fake news, using AI-generated content to distort political realities, infiltrating opposition networks, and suppressing critical voices online.
These tactics not only damaged the IPC’s reputation but also alienated potential supporters who expected integrity and transparency.
Internal Conflicts and Opposition Disunity
The IPC’s challenges were further exacerbated by political conflicts within the broader opposition coalition.
Tensions came to a head after an interview with IPC spokesperson Imms Nashinge, in which he blamed other parties for the failures of the opposition coalition governing in Windhoek.
This prompted protests from supporters of the PDM (Popular Democratic Movement), who demanded that their leader, McHenry Venaani, sever ties with the IPC.
These internal divisions made it difficult for the opposition to present a united front against SWAPO, further weakening their electoral prospects.
SWAPO’s Stability and Namibia’s Historic Moment
While the IPC struggled with scandals and infighting, SWAPO conducted its campaign without major incidents. This stability allowed the ruling party to maintain voter confidence.
As a result, SWAPO is expected to retain its parliamentary majority and continue governing Namibia.
A particularly historic outcome of these elections is that Namibia will soon be led by its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Her anticipated victory marks a significant milestone in the nation’s political history, symbolizing progress and inclusivity within Namibia’s democratic framework.
Conclusion
Namibia’s general elections highlight the importance of trust and unity in political campaigns.
The IPC’s failure to address scandals, manage public opinion ethically, and maintain opposition cohesion significantly contributed to its poor performance.
Meanwhile, SWAPO’s ability to campaign effectively and avoid controversy ensured its continued dominance.
The elections also underscore a broader truth about democratic processes in Africa: parties that prioritize stability and transparency are more likely to resonate with voters.
Namibia’s achievement of a peaceful election cycle and the emergence of its first female president reflect the country’s commitment to democratic progress and inclusive governance.
Shipanga, a veteran journalist and public affairs wrote from Windhoek.
Kavena Shipanga: Namibia’s political landscape: A triumph of stability over opposition discord
