EDITORIAL: The glaring gaps between Swapo and its government

For Swapo to successfully implement its manifesto over the next five years, it must establish clear synergies with the new government leadership, particularly with Prime Minister Elija Ngurare, who is not a member of its central committee or politburo. The alignment between the ruling party and the executive branch has always been a crucial factor in ensuring policy continuity.

A glaring anomaly in the current administration is that many Cabinet members are not in the leadership structures of the very party whose manifesto they are expected to implement. While the manifesto serves as the guiding framework for governance, there is a clear advantage to having senior government officials participate in Swapo’s key decision-making forums. Being part of these structures ensures a direct line of communication between policymakers and the party, preventing misalignment and delays in execution.

For the first time in Namibia’s history, the prime minister is not part of the ruling party’s central organs. This is also the case for Deputy Prime Minister Natangwe Ithete. While their roles in government are clear, the absence of direct involvement in Swapo’s highest decision-making bodies could create policy gaps or bureaucratic inertia.

To mitigate this, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, as both head of state and party leader, must ensure closer coordination by inviting key Cabinet members to central committee and politburo meetings, even if only as honorary members for a defined period. This would enhance strategic cohesion and prevent a situation where government policies drift away from Swapo’s electoral mandate.

With its narrow 53% victory in 2024, the party can no longer afford complacency. If tangible improvements in governance and service delivery are not achieved, the electorate is unlikely to be as forgiving in 2029.