Empty promises or paths to progress?

In every election cycle, Namibian political parties unveil grand promises and visionary manifestos, each claiming to hold the key to a brighter future. Yet, as time passes, many citizens are left wondering: Are these manifestos genuine roadmaps for progress or just another collection of empty promises?

With unfulfilled pledges stacking up and disillusionment growing, it’s time to dig deeper. Do these manifestos truly shape the nation’s trajectory, or are they mere tools to win votes, destined to be forgotten once the ballots are cast? Let’s uncover the truth behind the promises that shape Namibia’s political landscape.

Namibia is home to twenty registered political parties, each vying to shape the nation's future through their manifestos and campaign promises. From well-established players like Swapo and the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) to newer entrants such as the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and Affirmative Repositioning (AR), these parties put forward diverse visions aimed at addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges. However, while these manifestos often promise transformative change ranging from land reform and corruption eradication to youth empowerment and economic revival, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

Many citizens feel that these promises remain largely unfulfilled, leaving them questioning whether political manifestos are merely tools for securing votes rather than genuine blueprints for progress. The lack of tangible results has led to a growing sense of disillusionment among voters, particularly the younger generation, who are demanding accountability and action from their leaders. As election cycles come and go, the question remains: Are these political manifestos pathways to a better Namibia, or simply well-packaged lists of empty promises? The truth lies in whether parties can translate their bold ideas into concrete action that benefits all Namibians.

A history of unmet expectations

Namibia's political landscape has shifted significantly in recent years, with opposition parties making notable gains in elections, particularly in 2020. However, despite these successes, little has changed in terms of policy or governance.

Opposition parties, including the IPC and the Landless People's Movement (LPM), have struggled to leverage their electoral support effectively.

Their efforts to form coalitions have been hampered by internal conflicts, limiting their overall impact. Even in local governance, such as in Windhoek where the ruling party lost its majority, the new political leadership has failed to deliver significant improvements in key areas like service delivery and affordable housing.

At the national level, economic challenges have persisted, with issues such as drought, the Covid-19 pandemic and fiscal fragility contributing to a sluggish recovery.

Corruption concerns and opaque public tender processes further erode trust in political leadership. While the ruling party has experienced setbacks, it remains a dominant force, with President Nangolo Mbumba signalling continuity within the party.

Public dissatisfaction with unmet promises continues to grow, highlighting the gap between political rhetoric and tangible progress in addressing Namibia’s socio-economic issues.

Election promises vs. reality

Election promises often serve as the backbone of political party manifestos, designed to garner support and inspire hope among voters. In Namibia, political parties craft elaborate promises, painting a future of progress, economic growth and improved social services. However, the gap between these promises and their actual implementation often tells a different story. Many voters feel disillusioned as promises made on the campaign trail fall short of reality. Infrastructure development, job creation and poverty reduction are frequently touted, yet tangible progress remains slow.

This creates a growing scepticism among the electorate, questioning whether political manifestos are mere tools for securing votes rather than genuine roadmaps for national improvement. On the other hand, some parties manage to achieve portions of their pledges, leading to incremental progress in areas like education, health and infrastructure.

These successes demonstrate that, while not all promises are empty, the path to fulfilling them is complex and fraught with challenges. The truth behind Namibian political party manifestos lies in the fine balance between ambition and practicality. While election promises can inspire hope, holding leaders accountable and critically evaluating their track records is crucial in determining whether these promises are catalysts for progress or simply empty rhetoric.

The future of political accountability

In Namibia's evolving political landscape, election seasons are often marked by lofty promises from political parties, crafting visions of a prosperous future. Manifestos brim with pledges to end unemployment, eradicate poverty and improve public services. These promises spark hope and fuel debate, but as the dust settles after elections, the question remains: are these merely empty promises or can they truly pave the way to progress? For many Namibians, election promises have long been a source of scepticism. The cycle of ambitious manifestos followed by slow or incomplete delivery has eroded public trust. Infrastructure projects remain unfinished, unemployment rates persist and promises of better healthcare and education often feel like distant dreams.

This disillusionment has led to a growing call for greater political accountability, where voters demand more than just words; they seek tangible results and measurable progress. However, the future of political accountability may be shifting. With the rise of digital platforms, citizens have unprecedented access to information, making it easier to scrutinise political leaders and their manifestos. Social media has become a powerful tool for holding politicians accountable, where broken promises are quickly highlighted and successes celebrated. This growing culture of accountability is pushing political parties to focus on transparency, measurable goals and realistic timelines.

Moreover, some political parties have made strides in delivering on key promises, from improved education to healthcare reforms. These instances, though sometimes overlooked, demonstrate that election manifestos are not always empty rhetoric. In fact, when aligned with genuine political will and public engagement, they can be blueprints for national development. The future of political accountability in Namibia will depend on an informed electorate, proactive leadership and a commitment to transparency. Only by bridging the gap between promises and action can the country move beyond disillusionment and harness political manifestos as true paths to progress.

Is Namibia ready for a government of national unity?

Namibia is not ready for a government of national unity (GNU), as the current ruling party has consistently provided stability and progress since independence in 1990. Over the past 34 years, Swapo has led Namibia through significant strides in education, healthcare and infrastructure development. The party’s policies have contributed to increased access to education, with more schools and universities established and better healthcare services across the country. Additionally, Swapo has managed to maintain peace and unity in a nation characterised by diverse ethnic groups.

Moreover, the notion of a GNU undermines the political stability Namibia has enjoyed. The performance of opposition-led local governments, particularly in Walvis Bay and Windhoek, raises questions about their capacity to lead. For instance, under the leadership of the IPC in Walvis Bay and opposition parties in Windhoek, service delivery has notably faltered.

Residents of these areas have experienced delayed or insufficient provision of essential services, highlighting inefficiencies in opposition governance. While improvements can be made, Swapo’s track record suggests Namibia is better served by the continuity of its leadership rather than the uncertainties of a GNU, which may further fragment an already diverse political landscape.

Who truly deserves your vote: a proven leader with a track record, a leader who makes promises or a leader with extensive leadership experience?

As a voter, it's pivotal to realise that in the realm of leadership and electoral decisions, scholars emphasise the importance of evaluating a candidate's proven track record over mere promises or exposure to leadership roles. According to Kouzes and Posner (2017), they emphasised that leadership credibility is the foundation of all effective leadership; individuals who have consistently demonstrated their ability to deliver results build a reputation that followers can trust.

Their research shows that voters are more inclined to support leaders who have a history of tangible achievements rather than those who simply present appealing promises or boast vast leadership exposure without concrete results. Similarly, leadership scholar John Adair (2009) argues that the quality of leadership should be judged by action and outcomes, not by intention or rhetoric.

Adair’s viewpoint underscores that while leadership experience can be important, it is only valuable if it translates into demonstrated success and effective governance. Hence, voters should prioritise a leader's ability to deliver on their commitments and track record of performance, ensuring that promises are backed by a history of accountability and success.

As Namibians approach the elections on November 27, it’s crucial for voters to prioritise the country's future over personal loyalties to familiar individuals. Leadership credibility is built on a proven track record, not on promises or broad leadership exposure. Trustworthy leaders consistently demonstrate their ability to deliver results, which earns them the confidence of their followers.

The quality of leadership must be judged by actions and outcomes, not by mere intentions or rhetoric. For Namibia's progress, voters should focus on electing leaders who have a history of tangible achievements and who put the country’s needs first. This ensures that elected officials are committed to delivering on their promises and driving meaningful change, making decisions that advance Namibia as a whole, not just serve individual or partisan interests.

As Namibians head to the polls across the country, the choice is clear: actions must speak louder than promises. Manifestos are easy to craft, but delivering on those promises takes genuine leadership and accountability. The future of Namibia depends on leaders who prioritise national progress over personal or party interests. By demanding tangible results and holding leaders accountable for their track records, voters can help shape a brighter future. It’s time to move beyond empty rhetoric and embrace leaders who not only promise change but have a proven ability to make it happen for all Namibians.

*Sydney Musipili Mutelo is a PhD candidate from the University of the Western Cape and a Namibian educator.