By The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will observe the Presidential and National Assembly 2024 elections to take place today, 27 November 2024, in the Republic of Namibia.
SADC has deployed its SADC Election Observation Mission (SEOM) to its member state Namibia from 11 November 2024, to observe the elections as the natives will be heading to the polls today.
Looking at trends in Africa when it comes to elections, at least in Southern African countries, there is a general fatigue and frustration towards long ruling liberation political parties. It seems the parties have served their purpose and have reached their expiry date.
In most parts of Africa, liberation parties have been in power for more than three terms but have very little to show as most countries are plagued with unrests, poverty and a weak economy.
Botswana recently went to the polls and was able to successfully remove their liberation party from power. In Zimbabwe, citizens are frustrated with ZANU PF which they claim has stolen votes to stay in power, the inflation of the country has taken a nose dive with its currency amounting to almost nothing.
South Africans have also fired a warning shot towards the ANC, a liberation party as well in this year’s national and provincial elections, the party drastically lost voter support forcing the country into a Government of National Unity (GNU) as no party won the elections with an outright majority.
FRELIMO party of Mozambique, also liberation party and accused of stealing votes, has led to relentless deadly protests as the people want a regime change but the party is hanging on to power.
Residents of Namibia have also expressed frustration with South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) led by President H.E Nangolo Mbumba; a liberation party that has been in power since Namibia achieved its independence in 1990.
Africa has entered an era or phase whereby there is a general outcry for change in power, the era of long rule attributed to being a struggle fighter or hero has come to an end; and in some countries blood will be spilled in order for the change to be effected; will the elections in Namibia also end in violence or will it be a peaceful and democratic outcome?
