The Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) has welcomed former Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA) members to the party, saying this proves the party remains significant and relevant in Namibia.
RDP president Mike Kavekotora on Thursday said: “These new members could have joined any other political party, but they chose the RDP, which says a lot about our leadership.”
The party is set to launch its manifesto in the Oshana region on 12 October.
It has also expressed its distrust of the decision of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) to procure ballot papers without following the correct procedures.
“We don’t trust the ECN to appoint a printing company, and it’s on that basis we want a free and fair election come 27 November. The ECN does not have a positive history of fairness and transparency,” Kavekotora said.
He referred to 2014, when the RDP took the ECN to court over claims that the use of electronic voting machines in the 2015 elections would not leave a verifiable paper trail and that results would be rigged.
Kavekotora said the ECN should be held to the same standards it holds political parties.
“We are at the tipping point. This a sign that independence under Swapo is not the same, and everyone is yearning for change,” he said.
Uakarenda Mbinge, the leader of a group from the Kunene region who has left the DTA, said the group has decided to form an alliance with the RDP.
“We are looking for a change. We as former DTA members decided to get together in Windhoek today and believe in the RDP leadership,” he said.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
