Stefanus Nashama
The leader of the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF), Epafras Mukwiilongo, and Michael Amushelelo made a surprise appearance at the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) rally at the Okandjengedi location in Oshakati on Sunday.
The rally was addressed by the IPC’s leader, Panduleni Itula and the final “Go Out and Vote” campaign event.
Mukwiilongo, who is also in the race for the presidency, said they attended to show solidarity with IPC members and demonstrate unity.
“We came to greet and support the chief patriot. We are all one,” he said.
Mukwillongo observed that political parties have turned into rivals, which he said is not beneficial.
“Now parties have become enemies to each other. This is not good,” he said.
Amushelelo said they attended to display political maturity.
“It must be understood that whoever becomes the president on Wednesday will be the president of all Namibians irrespective of political parties,” he stated.
Amushelelo urged Namibians to accept the outcome of the elections, provided they are observed as free and fair.
Itula and the IPC leadership welcomed the two to the rally.
They embraced and shook hands with IPC leaders.
“Are you strong? Are you good?” Itula inquired from Amushelelo.
Members of the IPC started chanting, expressing their hope for peace to prevail during the elections.
The party members also chanted and ululated, saying, “Tse oyaandja’mati,” which signifies their support for the bridegroom’s side.
Some shouted that Swapo should pack and go.
Speaking at the rally, Itula accused the Swapo government of inflicting another colonial era on the Namibian people for 34 years.
“Who amongst you would want to return a terrible terror to yourself and your children on the 27 November?” he asked.
Itula said Swapo has brought misery to the Namibian nation.
He urged the youth to vote for his party, stating that the ruling Swapo party had failed to address the citizens’ issues.
Political analyst Sakaria Johannes noted that, despite some minor differences, the IPC and the NEFF are both opposition parties advocating for similar interests.
“The main idea is to fight for a better Namibia,” he said.
Political commentator Ben Mulongeni said the presence of Mukwiilongo and Amushelelo at the IPC rally sends a silent message of mutual support.
“I do not want to conclude but you may find NEFF giving votes to Itula for president if they understand that Mukwiilongo cannot make it for president,” he said.
“Why aren’t they afraid of their members questioning them about what they were doing at the IPC rally? That sends a silent message,” Mulongeni said.
He stated that Itula and Mukwiilongo share the same origins as Swapo, from which they emerged, although they have now formed their own political parties.
“Their interest is almost the same. They are all showing the same dissatisfaction with the Swapo-led government,” he stated.
Mulongeni added it is not unusual for Mukwiilongo and Amushelelo to attend the IPC rally.
“Mukwiilongo supported Itula during the 2019 presidential elections, while Amushelelo also publicly endorsed Itula at a time when Affirmative Repositioning was merely a movement,” he said.
He stated that such a move is intriguing, aligning with the common vision for a better Namibia.
