Make your mark, shape the future

Chris Kaukemua 
  • 7 Hours Ago
Many young people misunderstand politics, often seeing it as a distant or corrupt system that doesn't affect their daily lives. However, “voting is a ripple in a lake of change,” making it a way for young Namibians to hold leaders accountable. However, too often the youth of today are perpetual children. Many young people see politics as something for older generations.

Today, at the peak of their vibrancy, the adults of tomorrow don’t know enough. Voting is essential for every Namibian citizen. Voting in Namibia is more than just a political process; it's a chance for every Namibian to shape their country's future. Each vote is a way of saying, “I care for my family, my future, and my country." In a democratic country like Namibia, voting is a way for young individuals to have their say in decision-making that impacts their daily lives. Moreover, casting your vote is a way of exercising your rights - a reminder to those in power that they serve the people and if they don't fulfil their manifestos, they can be demoted.

Young people make up a large population group in Namibia, which means their vote carries a lot of weight. By voting, they can shape policies that reflect their generations’ hopes and needs. They get to say, “This is the future we want to see." In a country where freedom and democracy were hard won, each vote is a

reminder of the strength and potential of Namibian youth to create lasting change.

When young people step up to vote, they are not only shaping the present but also carving their future. When young people don’t vote, they surrender their future to others who may not share their vision or values. In time, they may find themselves living in a world they didn't choose. As Plato once said, "One of the penalties of refusing to vote is that you end up being governed by your inferior.”