The leader of the Landless People's Movement told other parties they must play politics as they see it to help regular people. Bernadus Swartbooi shared these thoughts during his party meeting at Parliament on Saturday. His group held their fourth national event, which helps make big decisions. They want to change how the party works and create plans for the next local elections. They need better rules to prepare for upcoming votes in different areas.
Swartbooi pointed at IPC leader Panduleni Itula, who said no to becoming the main opposition leader. He warned that if opposition groups cannot see how politics really works, they will face problems. The parliament might go five years without anyone leading the opposition side. Swartbooi hopes all parties against the ruling group will stay together. This unity would help them speak up for people during the next five years. He claimed nothing changes when Swapo party members take control, regardless of gender.
Political expert Sakaria Johannes sees things differently. He thinks Itula made a smart choice by refusing a job that lacks clear legal standing. Johannes said people should stop blaming Itula because he just wants everyone to follow the law. The expert noted that there exists no clear information about what this opposition office actually does. He asked whether politicians work for their gain or to serve the public who voted them into power. Politicians should focus on helping voters rather than seeking personal benefits.
Johannes mentioned that Article 32 talks about the president creating the opposition office position. Those wanting Itula to accept the role care more about informal rules than legal ones. The expert compared this to how they changed the Constitution to make the vice president position. Itula would likely accept if they formally added his role to the Constitution first. Johannes believes Itula refuses to work in an office without official legal recognition. The analyst thinks Namibians should stop accepting wrong practices just because they seem normal.
Swartbooi pointed at IPC leader Panduleni Itula, who said no to becoming the main opposition leader. He warned that if opposition groups cannot see how politics really works, they will face problems. The parliament might go five years without anyone leading the opposition side. Swartbooi hopes all parties against the ruling group will stay together. This unity would help them speak up for people during the next five years. He claimed nothing changes when Swapo party members take control, regardless of gender.
Political expert Sakaria Johannes sees things differently. He thinks Itula made a smart choice by refusing a job that lacks clear legal standing. Johannes said people should stop blaming Itula because he just wants everyone to follow the law. The expert noted that there exists no clear information about what this opposition office actually does. He asked whether politicians work for their gain or to serve the public who voted them into power. Politicians should focus on helping voters rather than seeking personal benefits.
Johannes mentioned that Article 32 talks about the president creating the opposition office position. Those wanting Itula to accept the role care more about informal rules than legal ones. The expert compared this to how they changed the Constitution to make the vice president position. Itula would likely accept if they formally added his role to the Constitution first. Johannes believes Itula refuses to work in an office without official legal recognition. The analyst thinks Namibians should stop accepting wrong practices just because they seem normal.
