Allexer Namundjembo
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah has described two brothers contesting in the Guinas Regional Council by-election as a beautiful reflection of our democracy and its maturity, noting that siblings can freely belong to different political parties and even contest against each other.
Moses Khumub’s campaign focuses on promoting unity in diversity, youth empowerment, and advocating for natural resource beneficiation to ensure sustainable development.
On the other hand, Fransiskus Khumub’s platform focuses on education, healthcare, and infrastructure development to uplift the community.
“This unique situation highlights the growing maturity of the nation’s political landscape, where even family members can freely align with different political parties and run against each other without division,” Kamwanyah said.
The two brothers are the only candidates for the by-elections.
The position became vacant after the death of councillor Elias Barney Martinus in November last year.
According to Kamwanyah, the siblings are showing that politics doesn’t have to divide families.
“It highlights the strength of individual choice and diverse political views within the same household. This kind of healthy competition is a sign of progress in our democratic journey. The contest between brothers is seen as an important milestone in Namibia’s democratic process, showcasing that differing political views can coexist in harmony, even within families. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of personal choice in a democracy and the ongoing growth of political freedom within the country,” he said.
Moses’s campaign focuses on promoting unity in diversity, youth empowerment, and advocating for natural resource beneficiation to ensure sustainable development.
On the other hand, Fransiskus’s platform emphasises education, healthcare, and infrastructure development to uplift the community.
Swapo’s Deputy Secretary General, Uahekua Herunga, said the party sought a candidate who is fit to be a leader of the people.
“Our candidate met all the requirements we were looking for. If the electorate sees our candidate as a true leader, they will vote for the Swapo candidate. If he is the right person to serve the people in that constituency, then the electorate will vote for him. It is not a bad thing for siblings to contest, but if the wishes of the electorate are to be served by our candidate, they will vote for him,” Herunga said.
The Landless People’s Movement National Spokesperson, Lifaraza Simataa, also agrees that the situation shows that democracy is functioning.
“It shows that we have political stability, where even households are no longer divided by their political stances,” Simataa.
As per the 2023 census, Guinas has a population of 8 578 people.
Polling stations for the elections will be located at Oshivelo Police Station, Tsintsabis Primary School, Namutoni Gate, Farm Oshivelo, and Ondera Resettlement Farm. These stations will be open from 07:00 to 21:00.
