Windhoek: The United Democratic Front (UDF) says it has undergone notable reforms since last year’s congress, with increased youth and female representation emerging prominently in leadership roles ahead of the local authority and regional council elections.
According to Namibia Press Agency, UDF national spokesperson Mabasen Narib stated in a recent interview that the party has intentionally shifted toward greater inclusivity, resulting in a noticeable rise in young people and women featured on candidate lists across various town councils. “For the first time in the history of UDF, we have more young people appearing on the local authority lists, and what stands out most is the strong presence of women. In many towns, the top two positions are held by female candidates. This is a great sign of the direction the party is taking,” Narib said.
He added that the party’s youth structures are also making breakthroughs at the national level, describing it as evidence that young members are being trusted with meaningful responsibilities. He pointed to Uis, recently upgraded back to village council status, as an example of strong youth representation. UDF’s number two candidate there is the current UDF Youth League branch spokesperson, Manuel Tourob, whom Narib described as a dynamic, educated, and vocal young leader who “stands up for the rights of young people.”
The spokesperson expressed confidence that UDF will in the Erongo region retain the Daures Constituency, which has been under the party’s leadership for two terms. “Our confidence is sky-high; our candidate, Amingo Honeb, is highly respected in administration circles. He is the current control administrative settlement officer in the area, a former teacher, and someone well-versed in public administration and management.”
He further highlighted several other key candidates, including Michael Skini for the Arandis Constituency, who has been a councillor in Henties Bay for several years. Karibib is being contested by the current mayor, Davey van Wyk, who is also UDF’s candidate in that constituency, while in Omaruru, the party has placed a former councillor and long-serving party member at number two on its list, which Narib said reflects the party’s broad representation.
“UDF is not a tribal party as some may claim. We have a diverse membership, including white Namibians who have long been part of our structures. Nationally and in Erongo, we are confident heading into this election,” he emphasised.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) has maintained a political presence in the Erongo Region, notably retaining its seat for two terms in the Daures Constituency, through Kennedy !Haoseb. The party also secured representation in the Arandis, Henties Bay, Karibib, Omaruru, Usakos, and Swakopmund local authority councils during the 2020 elections.