Africa-Press – Namibia. The United Democratic Front (UDF) has strongly condemned remarks attributed to Ithete during a Swapo rally held in Khorixas last weekend.
A video clip circulating on social media shows Ithete telling supporters that he can only work properly with Swapo members, warning that those who vote for opposition parties would bring “hunger” upon themselves.
“There are other candidates from other political parties who come from this town. But they are not from Swapo. The current President and the man speaking here…We are Swapo. I will only be able to work properly with Swapo members. Don’t give me someone else. This is very clear and very true. This is politics.. If you give me someone else, you will only bring hunger to yourself,” Ithete said in the clip.
He further urged voters to ensure that all Swapo candidates are elected into local authority positions, saying, “It’s about time we vote correctly and make sure all our councillors are elected into office to not make way for anyone else.”
In response, UDF national spokesperson Mabasen /Narib described the remarks as a desperate attempt by Swapo to solicit support ahead of the elections.
“This is a desperate attempt to solicit support for the Swapo Party and its candidates. Ithete says that he can only work with Swapo office bearers. He further said that if the people of Khorixas vote for the opposition, they have brought hunger upon themselves,” /Narib said.
According to him, the statement exposes the root cause of underdevelopment in opposition-led areas.
“As UDF, we are happy that Ithete has revealed the root cause of underdevelopment in Khorixas and other opposition-led councils and constituencies. Service delivery and development are deliberately delayed, making voters think that opposition parties have underperformed,” he said. /Narib urged Namibians to guard so that they are not coerced into voting for a specific party in exchange for public services.
“We are not at the mercy of Swapo, and Namibians should not be forced to vote for Swapo to get services they are entitled to as citizens. What kind of cruelty is this, that those entrusted to govern are using the very resources meant to better citizens’ lives to buy votes?” he questioned.
He further warned that voter intimidation would not be tolerated.
/Narib added that this kind of statement is a pure insult and a disregard for the ideals and principles of democracy.
He said UDF councillors will continue to serve all residents equally and will never allow elected councillors to give preference only to UDF members.
“They are to serve their communities regardless of political affiliation. We are service-delivery-oriented, and do not threaten people by saying that if they don’t vote for UDF, they will live in poverty,” he said. [email protected]
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