By: Josia Shigwedha

The former secretary general of Congress of Democrats (CoD) and parliamentarian Rosa Namises says she is running for presidency to address social issues currently experienced in the country, such as malnutrition among children, poor living standards, and housing among others.

Namises is a veteran politician who served as a member of parliament between 2000 and 2005. She joins the race against other female candidates, such as the ruling party Swapo’s candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Independent candidate Ally Angula, and Esther Muinjangue, the president of the National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO).

When asked what sets her apart from other presidential candidates, Namises responded that her experiences in politics and her work in the community qualify for her the position.

Namises was speaking during her official public announcement of her intention to stand as an independent candidate for this year’s presidential election at a playground in Dolam.

“The only difference is, how have we served our people over the years that we have been around. How have we been addressing issues that we find that are being portrayed or emerging in our communities. The children that were children in 1999 will say today, this lady took me when I was sleeping under the bridge and gave me food,” said Namises.When asked what he makes on the emergence of independent candidates ahead of the general elections, political analyst, Rui Tyitende stated that the independent candidates lack political clout and are wasting their time.

“As a matter of fact, none of the independent candidates have any political clout to affect the current political landscape. In other words, they are actually wasting their time and they are not doing the Namibian electorate a favour in terms of having a credible alternative to what is currently happening in the country,” stated Tyitende. 

In addition, Namises stated that she will rely on her family and friends to fund her campaign.