Independent candidates cleaned up in Namibia's Kavango regions during recent council elections, and political analysts say it happened because parties keep picking favorites instead of actual talent. Re-elected independent councillor Paulus Mbangu from Rundu Rural says voters are getting tired of promises that never turn into real development, and they're figuring out who can actually deliver. He pointed out that independents like Petrus Kashumali and Michael Naiteta grabbed seats in Mashare and Ncuncuni, which shows people want leaders who serve everyone instead of just party members.
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah says Mbangu's first-term performance had a massive effect on this shift because people saw he could get things done. University of Namibia academic Gurvy Kavei told parties they need to stop throwing random candidates out there and actually think about who they're running against. Kashumali mentioned he and Mbangu both served in Swapo structures for years, but they went independent after the party blocked their chances despite being ready to work.
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah says Mbangu's first-term performance had a massive effect on this shift because people saw he could get things done. University of Namibia academic Gurvy Kavei told parties they need to stop throwing random candidates out there and actually think about who they're running against. Kashumali mentioned he and Mbangu both served in Swapo structures for years, but they went independent after the party blocked their chances despite being ready to work.
