‘There will never be a government of national unity here’

Swapo politburo and central committee member Sisa Namandje says Swapo will rule Namibia forever and there will never be a government of national unity.

This follows South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC), which had been in power for 30 years, losing the elections in May this year. The ANC was then forced to form a coalition government, called a government of national unity.

“There will never be a government of national unity here. Swapo will rule forever,” said Namandje, speaking during a Swapo campaign at Rundu on Saturday.

“Don’t get excited for things happening somewhere, saying it will happen here. Never. It will never happen.”

Namandje urged party supporters to vote for Swapo and its presidential candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and said Swapo should be strengthened to continue doing “good work” in the country.

According to Namandje, victory is certain for Swapo in November.

“Victory is near comrades but only if you register (to vote) will you bring victory for Swapo.”

Namandje said opposition parties have the right to participate in the elections but they will lose.

He emphasised that Nandi-Ndaitwah will lead the nation with love and Swapo supporters should vote for her because she has done so much for Namibia.

“Go and register. Swapo will continue governing this country and meme Netumbo will lead us.”

Namandje also urged party members to run peaceful campaigns and foster unity.

“There is no right to participate in political activities through violence. We don’t want it. We don’t want violence. Swapo comrades, let’s campaign aggressively but peacefully and respectfully. We are not desperate. Just as Swapo has a right not to be insulted, not to be abused, brothers and sisters in other political movements have also those rights,” Namandje said.

“Let’s compete in peace and unity, and let’s speak to them respectfully and tell them in their faces, you will lose elections.”