President Hage Geingob said that true democratic freedom is impossible to sustain in the absence of economic equity, citing that he views economic inequality as the greatest threat to national and global democracy.

Geingob who made these remarks during the virtual Summit for Democracy hosted by the United States on Friday added: “It is for this reason that we have prioritised poverty eradication, gender equality and broad-based economic development as enablers of shared prosperity. Only by creating a more just and equitable society will we truly ensure that our democracy delivers for the needs of our people.”

The president said Namibia stands ready to hold hands with all the world’s democracies to strengthen democracy and pull in one direction towards an inclusive, stable, peaceful and prosperous future built on respect for the human rights and economic aspirations of all the citizens.

Geingob said Namibia is a nation founded on the principles of democracy, rule of law and justice for all, highlighting that since the country gained its independence, government has prioritised the creation and establishment of an institutional framework necessary for democratic governance.

“Over the past 31 years, we have held seven free and fair elections and I am the third democratically elected president of our country in this short space of time, serving my second and final term. Our judiciary forms the bedrock of our governance architecture and we view judicial independence as sacrosanct,” said Geingob.

He further said freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom of movement are enshrined in the country’s Constitution and Namibia is a nation absent of political prisoners and its commitment towards political, religious and media freedom remains resolute.

“I have unequivocally expressed the irrevocable commitment of the Namibian government to media freedom by stating that, as long as I am the president no journalist will be arrested or detained on the basis of their work.”

In terms of the fight against corruption, the Head of State said Namibia has put in place measures and established independent institutions to fight corruption as in addition to a wide-ranging Prevention of Organised Crime Act 29 of 2004, a Whistleblowers Protection Act was promulgated to enhance the country’s effectiveness in fighting corruption.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency