Registered – But Who Do I Vote For?

As we count down to the November elections, many young Namibians find themselves at a crossroads when it comes to choosing a presidential candidate. 

Similar to trying to find ‘Mr Right’ in the dating pool, it seems that finding the perfect presidential candidate has become like a near impossible scavenger hunt for first-time and other voters. 

It also highlights a broader disillusionment with traditional parties and a desire for genuine representation.

Various organisations, individuals, and media outlets in Namibia have actively promoted civic education on the ground and in social media. 

This created a strong push for voter registration, resulting in many young people feeling both pressured and motivated to get a voter’s card. 

Nonetheless, there are still those who appear uncertain about the election process and their reasons for registering. 

The recurring mantra – “it is your democratic right and it’s free” – likely influenced many people to register, though some genuinely desire change. 

Pressure on social media and peer interactions – such as threats to unfollow or delete contacts – may also have led many young people to register. 

When one of our university lecturers, Rui Tyitende, recently asked about voting intentions, initially only two students showed interest.

Yet, more than 90% of eligible Namibian voters have registered to cast their ballot. 

The key question is whether particularly newly registered voters will make it to the polls.

INFORMED CHOICES

The core issue is not necessarily an unwillingness to vote but a lack of education about the voting process, the importance of evaluating candidates, and understanding how to hold them accountable. 

Young people need guidance on how to make informed choices and the impact their vote can have even if their preferred candidate is not elected.

In the arena of power politics, candidates competing for office flood our minds with promises and pledges of reform, prosperity and progress. 

However, it is about more than what is said. It is also about what is shown. Actions speak louder than words.

Mere promises may frustrate the youth demographic because we are seen as a visual generation. 

The youth want to see change or, at the very least, visible efforts in line with what we are promised or what we want. 

For their part, voters need to scrutinise candidates and parties’ past actions to try and gauge future performance. 

This is a challenge as candidates often blame each other for unmet goals and failed plans while struggling to connect with a generation accustomed to visual evidence rather than promises. 

COALITIONS AND OTHER OPTIONS

During the June and July holidays, civic education was a trend, with everyone trying to make a difference. 

While some responses were positive, many expressed dissatisfaction with certain parties and the current political climate. 

This dissatisfaction adds to the confusion about who to vote for. 

For example, the future of the new curriculum, which will be five years old next year, remains uncertain.

Will it transition to A-levels or revert to the old system, potentially leaving us behind globally. 

Thus, it is not about tablets but rather about textbooks.

In addition, many of us, as the young and black demographic, are concerned about employment, climate change, proper budget allocation, and owning land and accessing resources. 

Some of us have looked at the possibility of a coalition government but fears that we might end up experiencing more chaos has discouraged people from embracing this idea.

We are thus still left with making the right decision come 27 November. 

There is too much at stake and we remain hungry for an empowered Namibia. However, the ‘politician pool’ shrinks as we struggle to find the right fit, none of whom appear willing to address the problems we face.

THE WAY FORWARD, HOPEFULLY

Political parties and candidates face the challenge of genuinely and effectively engaging young voters. 

The indecision among the youth reflects a desire for meaningful representation rather than apathy. 

To address this, candidates must provide clear and accessible manifestos, detail how their goals will be achieved, and outline the estimated costs. 

They must also ensure that their manifestos are accessible to all Namibians.

Importantly, candidates should demonstrate a personal commitment to addressing the needs of the electorate, ensuring that their proposals are both practical and will make a difference.

Voters are increasingly demanding accountability and action from their leaders. 

The future of Namibia hinges on its young people, and candidates need to earn the trust of the youth to truly shape the nation’s future. 

I sincerely hope the 91% of the electorate who have registered will all make it to the polls and vote!

– LapakaSheya Shapaka is an educationist