Flipside-Chris Jacobie
The registration of voters is far too important for the Namibian commonwealth and the country’s sovereignty and dignity for all, to rely exclusively on the appeal that “citizens must do their duty” and register as voters.
The Head of State, President Mbumba, must be applauded for his consultation with the ECN and conveying the concerns on registration timeously.
There is nothing more equal than a registered voter, because the cross on the ballot by the king or slave, pauper or prince, intellectual and idiot carries the same value when cast.
Presidents enter the polling station as voters and not as presidents or parliamentarians.
In fact, a registered voter is more powerful than those in power and not the other way around as some of those leaders of arrogance might wrongly assume.
The idea that voter’s education is the responsibility of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) alone is wrong and political parties and their candidates should take some responsibility or show some humility for receiving government funding for their political activities.
Namibians also now know that government funds meant for strengthening democracy, are mostly mismanaged by political parties. That money is the fuel for internal leadership disputes and challenges and make it seems like a food-for-work program.
The High Court roll is enough evidence of leaders spending more money to cling to power and upend internal decisions and votes, than to share power that they get from voters at the ballot box.
Only registered voters can correct this wrong turn that Namibian democracy might take by serving the few and neglect the many.
Registration is the first step towards a journey of individual freedom and choice. It is the sure future path for any citizen of voting age to guarantee a responsive, responsible and participatory inclusive government.
Registering as a voter is taking up democratic citizenship and confirming that as a Namibian is a sacred right to challenge, change or influence policies of government when required.
Citizenship of constitution democracy flows from first being a Namibian citizen.
A registered voter is even more powerful before and between any elections. A majority of votes, or registered citizens is what parties and representatives must compete for.
To not register is a useless status, because unlike a spoiled ballot that will at least be counted, a non-registered voter will not even be allowed to enter the booth.
Citizens who answer the higher call as a matter of constitutional responsibility to ultimate freedom, can choose to vote or not to vote.
The freedom can only come from being a registered voter, because registered voters keep each other free.
We are indeed our brothers’ keepers.
The rest of a nation depends on the right to vote, because Namibia needs every voter to add to the ever-shining light of internationally admired tolerance, freedom and peace.
