That is according to Kwezi Mngqibisa, Research Associate at the Center for African Diplomacy and Leadership at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa.

Namibia heads to the polls on Wednesday, November 27 to elect a new President and parliamentary representatives. Since independence, the ruling SWAPO has dominated every election, but recent shifts in voting patterns have raised questions about the future of the country's political landscape.

Mngqibisa noted that, in recent elections, SWAPO’s victory margin has been narrowing. In the last presidential race, the party won by a slim 56%, signaling growing discontent among voters. He suggested that these elections could be a turning point, with opposition parties offering alternative visions for Namibia’s future. The emergence of breakaway factions from SWAPO, Mngqibisa argued, highlights a shift in political preferences, particularly as younger generations demand more from their leaders.

Youth, which constitutes a significant portion of the electorate, is expected to play a pivotal role in this election. Of the 1.4 million registered voters, approximately 900 000 were born between 1981 and 1994, a group that is less tied to the liberation ideals of the past.  

As Mngqibisa highlighted, young Namibians are increasingly focused on issues such as employment, education, and economic opportunities, seeking a government that can address their aspirations.

--ChannelAfrica--