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As Namibians prepare to exercise their right to vote this year, political parties are actively organizing primaries to select candidates for parliament. This process is a fundamental aspect of democracy; however, voters are raising many questions about the criteria used by political parties to select potential candidates.
Currently, social media platforms are abuzz with campaign messages from numerous candidates, vying for support despite the questionable qualifications of some of them. These candidates put up campaign posters calling on representatives to consider them for positions in the House of Representatives. While campaigning for one’s candidacy is an integral part of the democratic framework, these primaries should not become a convenient way for mediocre people to gain positions at the expense of quality, competence and integrity. For the past 34 years, Namibians have experienced the consequences of electing legislators who often lack a basic understanding of the laws they make and who struggle to engage in meaningful debates. Political parties must reassess their candidate selection process and eliminate the influence of mediocrity. While the decision-making power over selection criteria lies with the political parties, the current era requires them to set more than just loyalty, appearance, tribal inclinations or lip service during election campaigns.
Effective governance is widely considered to be an important foundation for economic development and growth, and its success depends largely on the integrity and competence of the political class. This critical process of selecting good politicians (or avoiding the selection of bad ones) is the prerogative of political parties and should be exercised with care to exorcise the demon of mediocrity. To preach that all members of a political party should be considered for office, regardless of their ability, is tantamount to self-destruction.
Legislative performance
The core argument holds that competitive elections, such as party primaries, provide parties with an opportunity to improve the quality of their candidates. The organization of primaries and the selection of good politicians should be influenced by factors such as political competition that emphasizes competence, as this is critical to attracting nonpartisan voters. Moreover, primaries can lead to better electoral results for parties by appealing to voters who prioritize candidate quality over party ideology. The significance of candidate selection extends beyond candidates and their respective parties; it also affects the performance of the legislature, influencing power dynamics within the party and, in turn, the composition of parliament and the behavior of legislators. The quality of parliamentary lists is critical for the selection of members of the executive and various committees that will play an oversight role in parliament.
Ideally, primaries should enable delegates to select competent leaders. In practice, however, while parties act as gatekeepers to potential candidates, the incentives generated by political competition are often mitigated by party members’ loyalty to presidential candidates and the brown envelope effect. As a result, these delegates determine the choices of voters, ultimately affecting the quality of those elected. The lack of rigorous selection criteria leaves parties vulnerable to candidates who lack integrity and competence, thereby undermining their ability to select individuals who can effectively implement their policies.
Voter apathy
The above trends highlight that a large number of individuals are actively campaigning for other candidates despite many lacking the necessary qualifications to hold executive positions, let alone become prominent members of the Legislative Assembly. Concerns over the quality of candidates have intensified across constituencies as some politicians have likened the House of Representatives in August to a clown car where everyone thinks they are competent and joins the fray with enthusiasm. Many believe that the quality of candidates is a significant factor leading to voter apathy as efficiency and integrity of political leaders are essential for optimal performance of government. Therefore, the process of selecting candidates and the attributes that are prioritized in the selection process are crucial to ensure sound governance. Critics of the primaries worry that voters are being taken for granted and expected to support candidates who are questionable. A significant number of voters, especially the youth, show a sense of disillusionment and apathy towards politics and the electoral process, largely due to the often unsatisfactory quality of candidates. Voters need representatives who can understand pressing issues such as unemployment, poverty, inequality, inadequate services, poor roads (especially in rural areas), lack of drinking water and corruption. Candidates must have a service spirit and be committed to the welfare of the people rather than personal interests or ambitions.
Don’t blame the voters
As gatekeepers, political parties must play a key role in presenting to voters quality candidates who can move Namibia forward. Therefore, party primaries should be key to weeding out mediocrity and ensuring that parties’ candidate lists inspire voters to go to the polls. Otherwise, don’t blame voters for not going to the polls because of mediocre parliamentary party lists.
**Faustinus Shikukutu is a teacher by profession and lives in the Kavango East region. The views expressed in this article are his own.
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