Independent candidate faces ‘intimidation’ in signature drive
Independent presidential candidate Ally Angula has reported significant progress in her campaign, having collected nearly 75% of the 7 000 signatures she requires to qualify for the upcoming elections. However, she claimed her efforts have been challenged by incidents of political intimidation and violence, particularly from supporters of the ruling party, Swapo.
Angula described a shift in voter engagement, stating that initial interest has turned to aggression from some political groups. “We’ve been threatened and told that our work is illegal,” she said.
She recounted a recent incident in Rundu where a nearly completed form of signatures was torn up.
Calling for a fair electoral environment where all candidates can compete without fear of intimidation, Angula said it is “disheartening to see political violence against mobilisers who are simply exercising their democratic right”.
Current regulations
Despite these challenges, Angula - who launched her campaign on 1 May - remains committed to the cause. She said her campaign team is focused on submitting their signatures on time, adding that they will not be using the old voter rolls.
“We are not chasing the 30 September deadline because we were only informed three weeks ago that the 2014 voter cards would remain valid until that date,” she explained. Instead, she has been focused on collecting new voter registration numbers to ensure compliance with current regulations.
“We are committed to submitting our signatures on time, but our strategy prioritises the new voter registrations,” she added.
She further criticised the manifestos of political parties as ‘baseless’, pledging her allegiance to those who have supported her journey as an independent candidate, particularly the United People’s Movement (UPM). “At this moment, my vote will go to the UPM,” she said.
“This party is based in the south of Namibia and is committed to its God-fearing principles. My destiny is guided by the Lord, and I am focused on my purpose. UPM truly embodies a God-fearing ethos in this election, and that is where my vote will be cast,” she said.
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Angula described a shift in voter engagement, stating that initial interest has turned to aggression from some political groups. “We’ve been threatened and told that our work is illegal,” she said.
She recounted a recent incident in Rundu where a nearly completed form of signatures was torn up.
Calling for a fair electoral environment where all candidates can compete without fear of intimidation, Angula said it is “disheartening to see political violence against mobilisers who are simply exercising their democratic right”.
Current regulations
Despite these challenges, Angula - who launched her campaign on 1 May - remains committed to the cause. She said her campaign team is focused on submitting their signatures on time, adding that they will not be using the old voter rolls.
“We are not chasing the 30 September deadline because we were only informed three weeks ago that the 2014 voter cards would remain valid until that date,” she explained. Instead, she has been focused on collecting new voter registration numbers to ensure compliance with current regulations.
“We are committed to submitting our signatures on time, but our strategy prioritises the new voter registrations,” she added.
She further criticised the manifestos of political parties as ‘baseless’, pledging her allegiance to those who have supported her journey as an independent candidate, particularly the United People’s Movement (UPM). “At this moment, my vote will go to the UPM,” she said.
“This party is based in the south of Namibia and is committed to its God-fearing principles. My destiny is guided by the Lord, and I am focused on my purpose. UPM truly embodies a God-fearing ethos in this election, and that is where my vote will be cast,” she said.
[email protected]
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