Swapo’s competitors have no choice but to lose - Namandje
Swapo politburo member Sisa Namandje says while opposition parties have every right to participate in the upcoming elections, the ruling party remains confident in its path to victory.
He made these remarks at a mini Swapo rally in Rundu on Saturday.
"Our political competitors have the right to participate in elections, but unfortunately, they don't have the right not to lose. They will lose," he asserted. He urged Swapo supporters to rally behind the party, stating: "Victory is certain in November. It's coming”.
Reflecting on Namibia's past struggles, Namandje highlighted the party’s role in ensuring peace and stability in regions once marred by conflict. "Not many years ago, bandits came here to plant landmines and cause disruption. The Swapo government ensured your peace because the people of this region suffered greatly, yet they participated in the liberation struggle on a massive scale.”
Namandje also praised the party's presidential candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, for her long-standing dedication to the country. "You will own the presidency. You will exercise state powers, representing girls, mothers and grandmothers. It's your turn," he said.
He added: "Members, it's your turn. Therefore, you need to register and vote for Swapo".
One-party state
Acknowledging the party’s growing support from young professionals, he expressed his satisfaction with the increasing engagement of engineers, lawyers, doctors and students in the party's vision for Namibia. He attributed this surge in support to Swapo and its presidential candidate’s hard work, adding that they have actively been engaging communities across the country.
Namandje further addressed concerns about the country potentially moving towards a one-party state, reaffirming Swapo’s commitment to a competitive democratic process. “We were a bit naive. We were told by some that Namibia is moving towards a one-party state, and we started thinking maybe we should go slow. But we will never do that again.
“For many years, before and after independence, Swapo has cared deeply for the people of Namibia, ensuring freedom from apartheid, peace, justice and prosperity. Progress has been made. Swapo Party comrades remain a weapon against all conduct, acts and habits that subvert the ideals and society of our forefathers who stood and fought for us,” he said.
With voter registration drawing to a close tomorrow, Namandje highlighted the importance of participation in the upcoming elections.
"Without registration, eligible voters will not be able to cast their vote and exercise their right to participate in peaceful political activities, as protected under our constitution,” the well-known lawyer said, urging all eligible citizens to register.
Netumbo to ‘lead with tenderness’
"We have a female candidate for the office of president. Are you not proud? Are you not happy? We will receive that love from our mother. She will lead us with tenderness, but we need to vote for her to get there," he said.
He further called for a peaceful and respectful election process, stressing the importance of unity and constructive dialogue.
"Let's compete in peace and unity. Let's speak to them respectfully and tell them they will lose the elections, but peacefully. We gain nothing from spreading lies and toxic propaganda," Namandje added.
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He made these remarks at a mini Swapo rally in Rundu on Saturday.
"Our political competitors have the right to participate in elections, but unfortunately, they don't have the right not to lose. They will lose," he asserted. He urged Swapo supporters to rally behind the party, stating: "Victory is certain in November. It's coming”.
Reflecting on Namibia's past struggles, Namandje highlighted the party’s role in ensuring peace and stability in regions once marred by conflict. "Not many years ago, bandits came here to plant landmines and cause disruption. The Swapo government ensured your peace because the people of this region suffered greatly, yet they participated in the liberation struggle on a massive scale.”
Namandje also praised the party's presidential candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, for her long-standing dedication to the country. "You will own the presidency. You will exercise state powers, representing girls, mothers and grandmothers. It's your turn," he said.
He added: "Members, it's your turn. Therefore, you need to register and vote for Swapo".
One-party state
Acknowledging the party’s growing support from young professionals, he expressed his satisfaction with the increasing engagement of engineers, lawyers, doctors and students in the party's vision for Namibia. He attributed this surge in support to Swapo and its presidential candidate’s hard work, adding that they have actively been engaging communities across the country.
Namandje further addressed concerns about the country potentially moving towards a one-party state, reaffirming Swapo’s commitment to a competitive democratic process. “We were a bit naive. We were told by some that Namibia is moving towards a one-party state, and we started thinking maybe we should go slow. But we will never do that again.
“For many years, before and after independence, Swapo has cared deeply for the people of Namibia, ensuring freedom from apartheid, peace, justice and prosperity. Progress has been made. Swapo Party comrades remain a weapon against all conduct, acts and habits that subvert the ideals and society of our forefathers who stood and fought for us,” he said.
With voter registration drawing to a close tomorrow, Namandje highlighted the importance of participation in the upcoming elections.
"Without registration, eligible voters will not be able to cast their vote and exercise their right to participate in peaceful political activities, as protected under our constitution,” the well-known lawyer said, urging all eligible citizens to register.
Netumbo to ‘lead with tenderness’
"We have a female candidate for the office of president. Are you not proud? Are you not happy? We will receive that love from our mother. She will lead us with tenderness, but we need to vote for her to get there," he said.
He further called for a peaceful and respectful election process, stressing the importance of unity and constructive dialogue.
"Let's compete in peace and unity. Let's speak to them respectfully and tell them they will lose the elections, but peacefully. We gain nothing from spreading lies and toxic propaganda," Namandje added.
[email protected]
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