Elections 2024: A time for reflection, not just decisions

Namibia is just days away from one of the most pivotal moments in its democratic calendar: the 2024 general elections. Yet, this time around, the conversations in communities, workplaces, and public spaces feel different. It is not just about manifestos, party colours or campaign slogans. It is about reflection on where we have been as a nation and where we are headed. This election season has been marked by visible frustrations: from youth unemployment and housing shortages to questions about governance and accountability. While these challenges are not new, what stands out is a growing sense of urgency among citizens. People are no longer content with vague promises. They demand tangible change. However, elections are not just about fixing what is broken. They are also an opportunity to reassess our role as citizens in Namibia’s democratic journey. Democracy, at its core, is a two-way street. While leaders are tasked with governing effectively, citizens have the responsibility to participate meaningfully, not just by voting but by staying engaged beyond the ballot box. One critical element of this year’s elections is &#039;The Youth Factor&#039;.According to the Namibia Statistics Agency, over 60% of Namibia’s population is under the age of 35. This group faces critical challenges such as unemployment, limited access to quality education, and inadequate housing. Yet, despite these pressing issues, youth participation in previous elections has been lackluster. The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) reported a significant decline in voter turnout among young people in the 2019 general elections compared to earlier years. This disconnect is alarming given that young people hold the potential to be a transformative force in shaping the country’s future. As the election day draws closer, let us consider what it truly means to cast a vote. It is more than a mark on a ballot paper. It is a declaration of hope, a demand for progress, and a commitment to the ideals that bind us as a nation. It is also a moment to ask ourselves difficult questions: 1. Have we taken the time to understand the candidates and their policies, or are we voting out of loyalty to party lines? 2. Are we prepared to hold elected leaders accountable after the results are announced? 3. How can we, as ordinary Namibians, contribute to building the nation we envision? This election is about more than who wins or loses. It is about the collective power of millions of voices coming together to chart a course for the future. It is about ensuring that our democracy remains vibrant, inclusive and responsive to the needs of its people. For the youth, this moment is especially crucial. With their numbers and energy, young Namibians have the power to demand real change and lead the charge toward solutions that address their unique challenges. But this requires active participation – not just on election day, but every day thereafter. As we head to the polls on 27 November, let us approach this moment with purpose and unity. Whether you are voting for change, continuity or a combination of both, let your decision reflect the change you anticipate. And after the ballots are counted and the dust settles, let us not stop there. Democracy does not end on election day – it begins anew. Let us commit to staying informed, engaged and proactive in shaping the Namibia we all want to see. This is our moment to reflect, decide and act. Let us make it count. #PutYourVoiceInTheBox#NamibiaDecides2024

Elections 2024: A time for reflection, not just decisions

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-07

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Elections 2024: A time for reflection, not just decisions

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-07

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