Primaries central to saving Namibia from mediocrity

As Namibians prepare to exercise their voting rights this year, political parties are actively engaged in organising primaries to select candidates for parliament. This process is a fundamental aspect of democracy; however, it raises numerous questions among voters regarding the criteria political parties use to select potential candidates.

Presently, social media platforms are flooded with campaign messages from numerous candidates vying for support, despite the questionable qualifications of some. These candidates are posting campaign posters, appealing to delegates to consider them for a position in the August House. While advocating for one's candidacy is an integral part of the democratic framework, these primaries should not serve as a convenient pathway for individuals of mediocre calibre to secure positions at the expense of quality, competence and integrity. Over the past 34 years, Namibians have experienced the consequences of electing lawmakers who often lacked a fundamental understanding of the laws they were creating and struggled to engage in meaningful debates. It is imperative for political parties to reassess their candidate selection processes and eliminate the influence of mediocrity. Although the decision-making authority regarding selection criteria rests with the political parties, the current era necessitates that they establish requirements that extend beyond mere loyalty, superficial appearances, tribal orientations or vocal performances at campaign events.

Effective governance is widely acknowledged as an essential foundation for economic development and growth, with its success largely hinging on the integrity and competence of the political class. This crucial process to select good politicians - or to avoid selecting bad ones - being the prerogative of political parties should be exercised with caution to exorcise the demons of mediocrity. Advancing the narrative that all members of a party should be considered for positions regardless of their competency is equivalent to self-destruction.



Legislature performance

The central thesis posits that competitive internal elections, such as party primaries, afford parties the opportunity to enhance the quality of their candidates. Organising primaries and selecting superior politicians should be influenced, among other factors, by political competition that emphasises competence, as this is crucial for attracting non-partisan voters. Additionally, it can lead to better electoral outcomes for the party by appealing to voters who prioritise candidate quality over party ideology. The significance of candidate selection extends beyond the candidates and their respective parties; it also affects the legislature's performance, influencing the power dynamics within the party, which - in turn - shapes the composition of parliament and the conduct of legislators. The calibre of the parliamentary list will be pivotal in the selection of executive members and members of various committees who will play an oversight role in parliament.

Ideally, primaries should enable delegates to choose capable leaders. However, in practice, while political parties act as gatekeepers for potential candidates, the incentives created by political competition are often diminished by the loyalty of party members to the presidential candidate and the brown envelope effect. As a result, these delegates determine the choices available to voters, ultimately affecting the quality of those elected. The absence of rigorous selection criteria makes the party vulnerable to candidates who may lack integrity and competence, thereby undermining its capacity to select individuals who can effectively implement its policies.



Voter apathy

The aforementioned trend highlights the multitude of individuals actively campaigning against other candidates, despite many lacking the requisite qualifications for executive roles, let alone membership in the distinguished legislative assembly. Within various electorates, concerns regarding the quality of candidates have intensified, as some politicians liken the August House to a clown car, where every individual perceives themselves as competent and enthusiastically joins the fray. The perceived quality of candidates is viewed by many as a significant contributor to voter apathy, as the effectiveness and integrity of political leaders are vital for optimal government performance. Thus, the processes by which candidates are chosen and the attributes prioritised in this selection are critical for ensuring sound governance. Primary critics voice apprehension that voters are being taken for granted, with expectations to support candidates of dubious merit. A notable number of voters, especially the youth, are displaying feelings of disillusionment and apathy towards politics and the electoral process, largely due to the often-unsatisfactory quality of candidates. Voters require representatives who comprehend pressing issues such as unemployment, poverty, inequality, inadequate service delivery, poor roads especially in rural areas, lack of potable water, and corruption. It is essential to have candidates with a servant-hearted approach, dedicated to the greater good of the populace rather than their personal interests or ambitions.



Don’t blame voters

Political parties, as gatekeepers, must play a crucial role in presenting voters with high-quality candidates capable of moving Namibia forward. Consequently, political party primaries should be pivotal in eliminating mediocrity, ensuring that the candidate lists of various parties inspire voters to go to polling stations. Otherwise, don’t blame voters for not turning up at polling stations due to the mediocratic party lists for parliament.



**Faustinus Shikukutu is a teacher by profession and a resident of the Kavango East Region. All views expressed are his own.