A Win For Democracy

THE Swapo Extraordinary Congress in Windhoek this weekend that saw three candidates contest the race for the party’s presidential nomination for 2005, was a watershed event in Namibian history.

Despite a fiercely-fought and sometimes vitriolic campaign almost certain to leave its mark on the ruling party, the congress itself will be remembered for the well-managed voting process which culminated in a victory for President Sam Nujoma’s personal choice as successor, Minister of Lands and Swapo Vice President, Hifikepunye Pohamba. The positive spirit that appeared to prevail in the aftermath of the announcement also bodes well – if it is built upon.There were few Namibians who were not watching the unfolding of this extraordinary congress with bated breath, great expectations and even fear, given the uncertainty created by events in the run-up to the occasion.Fortunately these were not realised.Despite divisions created as a result of the three-way contest, all candidates were magnanimous in both defeat and victory and exhibited a political maturity that is encouraging for the democratic future of Namibia.In particular, the two candidates who failed in their bid for the presidential nomination, Nahas Angula and Hidipo Hamutenya, earned the admiration of many for the generous spirit with which they conceded defeat – where there could have been recrimination and resentment.Members of the elections team, led by acting Judge Petrus Damaseb, are also to be commended for the way in which they ensured that the voting process itself was transparent from beginning to end.The three-candidate race was a test for the Swapo movement, which has sometimes experienced difficulty in making the transition from liberation movement to political party, and it weathered the challenge.We say this without diminishing the sometimes unpleasant and even dirty politicking that has characterised recent weeks, and even an abuse of power, which may in itself hold repercussions for the future.Even though the divisions that manifested themselves may linger for some time, we hope that all those involved will resist the urge to be vindictive or seek revenge and will continue to strive for a high level of political maturity that can only benefit this country and its people.The abuse of power and dirty electioneering happens in the most established of democracies; but it’s how the aftermath is handled that determines how a country charts the way forward.People can disagree, differ and dissent, even within the ruling party, without this negatively affecting the stability of our country and the peace that we continue to enjoy.To the victor, the spoils.We congratulate Minister Pohamba on his victory and wish him strength and wisdom for the task that lies ahead.The positive spirit that appeared to prevail in the aftermath of the announcement also bodes well – if it is built upon.There were few Namibians who were not watching the unfolding of this extraordinary congress with bated breath, great expectations and even fear, given the uncertainty created by events in the run-up to the occasion.Fortunately these were not realised.Despite divisions created as a result of the three-way contest, all candidates were magnanimous in both defeat and victory and exhibited a political maturity that is encouraging for the democratic future of Namibia.In particular, the two candidates who failed in their bid for the presidential nomination, Nahas Angula and Hidipo Hamutenya, earned the admiration of many for the generous spirit with which they conceded defeat – where there could have been recrimination and resentment.Members of the elections team, led by acting Judge Petrus Damaseb, are also to be commended for the way in which they ensured that the voting process itself was transparent from beginning to end.The three-candidate race was a test for the Swapo movement, which has sometimes experienced difficulty in making the transition from liberation movement to political party, and it weathered the challenge.We say this without diminishing the sometimes unpleasant and even dirty politicking that has characterised recent weeks, and even an abuse of power, which may in itself hold repercussions for the future.Even though the divisions that manifested themselves may linger for some time, we hope that all those involved will resist the urge to be vindictive or seek revenge and will continue to strive for a high level of political maturity that can only benefit this country and its people.The abuse of power and dirty electioneering happens in the most established of democracies; but it’s how the aftermath is handled that determines how a country charts the way forward.People can disagree, differ and dissent, even within the ruling party, without this negatively affecting the stability of our country and the peace that we continue to enjoy.To the victor, the spoils.We congratulate Minister Pohamba on his victory and wish him strength and wisdom for the task that lies ahead.