Lawlessness of Political Leaders During Elections

While the misconduct of ordinary Namibians during the recent elections might be forgiven, the same leniency cannot be extended to certain political leaders.

Unlike ordinary citizens, political leaders are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and serve as role models at all times.

There is only one winner in an election and resorting to tantrums instead of gracefully conceding defeat reveals much about the character of these supposed leaders.

The behaviour of certain leaders during the elections exposed their inadequate leadership. In a viral video, one emotional leader reacted to the election results by insulting a certain tribe.

He called them “pigs” for voting for Swapo. This ignorant and divisive outburst disregarded the fact that some of these people voted for his own party, exposing both his narrow-mindedness and low level of political maturity.

Other leaders attempted to prevent voters from the Kavango regions from exercising their constitutional right to vote at Oshakati, an act that nearly escalated into chaos until Namibia’s Special Field Force intervened.

It is unthinkable that members of parliament would seek to undermine the very democratic process they are sworn to protect.

Expecting such poorly prepared leaders to reform their behaviour may be futile. This is why Namibia has law enforcement agencies to uphold law and order.

The pressing question for the police is: How much longer will they allow the situation to deteriorate before holding individuals accountable?

EK Ndara