EDITORIAL: Mbumba should vacate office immediately after new president is elected

Botswana's general election was held on 30 October. On the morning of 1 November, Duma Boko was declared the winner and before sunset, he was sworn in as the new president.In Namibia, it takes four months for the newly elected president to assume office. Four months is a long time in politics – we have been very lucky so far that this backward practice has not yet backfired in a major way. One day, an incumbent president will be voted out and still preside over the affairs of our country for four more months. If the unwanted president wants to suck our coffers dry during that 'grace' period, they will have ample time to do so. They will also have enough time to conceal corrupt activities, if any, or even replace the anti-corruption boss with their own lackey. One who won’t pursue them after leaving office. The possibilities are endless.After our first democratic general election in 1989, and the transition that ensued from wartime Namibia to a new state, the four months to March 1990 were justified. But in 2024, it’s laughable.We must resolve this untenable situation now – rather than waiting until the chickens come home to roost. A month, at most, is adequate for a new president to take office. Interim president Nangolo Mbumba has a chance to rectify this anomaly by vacating office as soon as a new president is voted into power this month. After all, it is simply unsound that a bloke who nobody voted for clings onto power, while the duly elected one sits at home. A good dancer knows when to leave the stage.

EDITORIAL: Mbumba should vacate office immediately after new president is elected

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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EDITORIAL: Mbumba should vacate office immediately after new president is elected

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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