Stefanus Nashama
The leader of the United People’s Movement (UPM), Jan van Wyk, has announced the party list for prospective parliamentary candidates under the theme, “God heal our land.”
He said Namibia has been struggling for 34 years, citing time for making a call to God for the healing of the damages.
“Namibia, I greet you in the name of God Almighty! The UPM is to contest this year’s election under the theme “God heal our land.” As we have been struggling for 34 years, the message is clear. We need to turn back to the Lord,” said van Wyk.
Youth representation makes up 70% of the party’s list.
“I can gladly state that the UPM has identified God-fearing leaders, of which 70% of the list are between the ages of 21 and 35 years. I am sure that the UPM is the only party that has allowed the youth of this country to represent the masses out there,” he said.
He believes that the majority of the voting block has the opportunity to reach out to the legislature and create laws that address their needs.
The UPM list also features a 59% representation of women.
This, van Wyk said, aims to empower the mothers and daughters of this nation.
According to him, the top twenty candidates on the list represent marginalized communities and people with disabilities, while the top 15 candidates include former soldiers.
The top ten candidates include a 50% youth component and a 50% female representation.
“With this commitment, the UPM has come out to represent those who were left behind for more than three decades. Whether we are going to make use of the opportunity depends on us,” he said.
He encouraged those who worship a living God not to allow the suffering for another five years.
“May His blessings be with you. Let us stop the suffering and hunger. Namibia needs to turn back to the Lord,” Van Wyk concluded.
Youthful political analyst Sakaria Johannes said the initiative came at the right time but late to convenience voters since the list concentrated on a certain ethnic group.
“The list seems to be concentrated only on certain people in a certain ethnic group,” he said.
As a result, Johannes doubts whether the UPM would receive reasonable votes from other ethnicities and communities.
“I feel it’s only for certain people according to the names that I can see on the list,” he said.
