Stefanus Nashama
Political Analyst, Ndumba Kamwayah says Namibia faces a surprising and mature political challenge, with more women intending to run for president, in the 2024 national elections.
Kamwanyah says this is the first time in the political history of Namibia, that women are announcing their intention to run for the high office.
Kamwanyah’s remarks came after Social Activist and Women’s Solidarity Namibia Director, Rosa Namises said she is willing to run for president. She also publicly encouraged more women to run for president in the 2024 elections.
Namises said anyone can become president, regardless of their popularity.
Last week, former Deputy Executive Director of the Ministry of Finance, Ally Angula also announced her candidacy.
Last year November, the Swapo Party Congress elected Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, as the Party’s Vice President and the chosen candidate for the next 2024 Presidential Elections.
Meanwhile, the first female President of the National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO), Esther Muinjangue said she will stand for the party’s head position at the Party Congress scheduled for next year, and if re-elected by the Party Congress she will also run for president in 2024.
Kamwanyah said the intention for women to run for the highest office presents a high volume and image of political maturity in the country, which is opening doors for them to do their part in political development and bring more change in political dynamics, just as men have done.
“The decision for women to run for president can change the political arena since they are not automatically chosen but participate in democratic politics like men. There is no contradiction in politics for women to run for president, it is all about changing the nature of politics. In multi-party democracies everyone has the right to participate in political space,” Kamwanyah stressed.
“Women are not set aside in politics. It is good for them to run high. It is just an option available to all people,” Kamwanyah emphasized.
