Windhoek: Joseph Kauandenge, leader of the Asoli Progressive Party, has urged opposition parties to set aside their individual party 'egos' and unite in a grand alliance to effectively challenge the ruling government in the 2029 general elections.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the veteran politician, in a press statement released on Wednesday, asserted that 35 years of disunity among opposition parties have had no significant impact on national governance, diminishing their parliamentary presence to 'empty noise without substance' due to a lack of real power. Kauandenge proposed that it is high time Namibian opposition party leaders learn from neighboring countries and across Africa, where opposition grand coalitions have successfully toppled ruling parties democratically.

Kauandenge noted that Namibian voters typically align with political organisations based on ethnicity, family ties, and personal preferences rather than policy manifestos. He added that while historical political survival in Namibia depended on a robust ethnic base, individual parties can no longer rely on securing only one or two parliamentary seats for self-serving purposes. He called for leaders to think critically about Namibia's future and move away from glorified party positions, focusing on serving the people rather than personal interests.

He further emphasized the need to mobilize collective memberships under a unified governing front, urging opposition leaders to examine successful democratic strategies in countries such as Zambia, Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, Malawi, and Morocco, where coalitions effectively ousted entrenched ruling parties. Kauandenge warned that history would judge current opposition leaders negatively if they do not set aside personal pride to pursue genuine State power.

He concluded by highlighting the triviality of holding the title of party president compared to the essential goal of serving the public and establishing themselves as the governing party within a grand coalition.