Windhoek:The United Democratic Front (UDF) has reaffirmed its political independence, condemning opposition coalition arrangements for "lacking proper consultation, inclusivity, and a collective mandate." In a press statement from the secretary general's office, the party emphasized that it will not compromise its political autonomy or conform to agendas created by a select few.

According to NAMPA, Secretary General Daniel Tsaneb warned that current efforts may divide the opposition instead of uniting it. He called for an immediate stop to assumed collective endorsements and urged the creation of a structured, inclusive opposition caucus to manage parliamentary coordination and coalition discussions transparently.

The UDF believes that opposition cooperation must be built on mutual respect, transparent political dialogue, and the recognition that every opposition party has a legitimate role in Namibia's democratic landscape. Tsaneb noted that no party should presume the authority to speak for the entire opposition.

The UDF's statement follows recent ambitions by some opposition parties to unite ahead of the 2029 elections. Joseph Kauandenge, leader of the Asoli Progressive Party, last month called on opposition parties to form a grand alliance to challenge the ruling government in the 2029 elections, citing 35 years of ineffective collaboration.

Tsaneb stated that the UDF is an independent political organization with its own leadership, structures, policies, and constitutional responsibilities. He emphasized that the UDF's political identity cannot be dictated by other parties, nor can its commitment to democratic accountability be judged by assumptions or selective interpretations of parliamentary proceedings.

He voiced concerns over coalition agreements being made without proper consultation with the wider opposition, warning that such arrangements risk creating divisions, undermining trust, and excluding essential parties. The UDF asserted that political agreements lack legitimacy without a collective opposition mandate and emphasized the need for a consensus process, clear objectives, and involvement from all parties.