Allexer Namundjembo
Martin Lukato formed the National Democratic Party (NDP) in 2003 and fully registered it with the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) in 2004.
After 20 years in politics without securing a seat in parliament, Lukato’s party won a single seat in the National Assembly following last year’s elections.
Now, the NDP leader has expressed his readiness to challenge colonial-era laws that he believes do not benefit the nation.
“I want to ensure that laws enacted during colonial times, which are still in place and do not help the Namibian people, are challenged. Every law proposed and accepted before 21 March 1990 must be reviewed,” he said.
Lukato will be sworn into the National Assembly on 20 March along with new parties such as the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) and Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) as members of the 8th Parliament.
One specific law he aims to challenge affects poor people’s access to justice.
“If a poor person wants to sue someone through the civil court, the matter can take up to three years, which means they could lose their property if they do not win the case. This law should be changed to ensure that poor people are not discouraged from seeking justice out of fear of losing their property,” Lukato explained.
According to Lukato, many people have lost their properties due to this law and stressed the need for its amendment.
Lukato also expressed his willingness to work with other political parties for the betterment of the country.
“The main aim is to see the country progress in terms of development. If I am entrusted with a duty, even in a ministerial or deputy ministerial position by the President, I will accept it with open hands,” he added.
He added that he has no boundaries in working with either the opposition or the ruling party, as long as it benefits the nation.
“My ambition is to work with others. My goal is to ensure that the people of this country benefit from its resources,” he said.
With only 49 voting members in the National Assembly, compared to the opposition’s 45, the ruling party may consider appointing a deputy minister or minister from the opposition to strengthen its position.
The final National Assembly seating is on 19 March.
