Thread: Election Fever Hits Mariental

New Era - Toivo Ndjebela


Mariental — Political activities are in full swing at Mariental, with hot rivals Swapo and Rally for Democracy and Progress working around the clock to win the hearts of the town's electorate in next month's national elections.

Last weekend, RDP heavyweights Magnus Nangombe and Erastus Endjala led a group of party officials to register interested members at Mariental.

"Swapo is busy with the Witbooi funeral in Gibeon, and we want to make sure by the time they return everyone in town will be registered with the RDP," Nangobe told New Era on Saturday.

However, despite RDP's rude awakening at Mariental, Swapo's regional mobiliser for Hardap David Namwandi appeared unfazed by the presence of his political foes in town, saying Mariental residents know no other party than Swapo.

"Go around and you'll see that almost every house here has a Swapo flag hoisted on it. Continue inspecting and see if you'll see any other party's flag," Namwandi said.

On Saturday morning, Namwandi led a strong crowd of Swapo supporters to the town's Hendrik Witbooi main street where the casket with the body of former Deputy Prime Minister Hendrik Witbooi lay in state.

"There was an RDP parliamentary candidate at the casket display and he was swinging his fist (Swapo symbol) in the air. That's why I am saying these people are confused," claimed Namwandi.Nangombe was however adamant that his party is popular at the town and expects it to score good votes from residents here.


"People here were asking us 'where have you been all along'. They are rushing to register for RDP," Nangombe boasted.

Namwandi, a member of the National Council, pointed to several infrastructure that he said were realised because of Swapo's development drive.

He pointed out, among others, houses, the magistrate's office, a multi-purpose youth centre, the constituency office, the home affairs regional office and that of the Build Together Programme.

"Most of these were built after the 2004 elections, meaning Swapo has delivered on its promise," Namwandi said.

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