No room for voting truancy

David Junias
  • 7 Hours Ago
As Namibia approaches its presidential elections on 27 November 2024, political conversations are at every discussion setting in the land. With so much at stake, it’s not surprising if the next person you meet is campaigning. Political fever has taken over and everyone seems eager to discuss the future of our nation. I am excited that the youth are taking part in this political discussions.

I found myself pondering an interesting question: Do people who choose not to vote intend it as a form of advocacy? My answer is simple –it is a form of advocacy that doesn’t make a difference. Choosing silence, in this case, accomplishes nothing. Without participation, there is no chance for change.

Curious about others’ perspectives, I posted this question on my WhatsApp status to gather input from the youth in my contacts. The responses I received reflected diverse but unanimous opinions against voting truancy. One friend shared this view: “Choosing not to vote can act as a powerful protest within the political arena, signalling disenchantment with established candidates, platforms or governance structures.

For many, abstention becomes a political statement, declaring, “I don’t see my interests reflected in this electoral landscape’.” However, they cautioned that this silent dissent can easily backfire, as groups who don’t cast their vote risk being perceived as tacitly endorsing the prevailing political outcomes and status quo. It’s like saying “yes” to the results, even if they oppose them. In democratic practice, casting a vote – even for a less-than-ideal candidate – often becomes the most effective way to push for change.

Another friend expressed a similar sentiment, arguing that voting abstention is too private an act to make any real impact. “No one is going to say, ‘Oh, he/she didn’t vote; let me go and ask what’s wrong.’ I think it overestimates the signal it gives out. When you don’t vote, it’s just one less voice in the room.” Voting abstention is condoned by the Namibia Institute for Democracy (NID), a strong advocate for voting, which has led voter education efforts and trained election observers for the upcoming election. In a June panel discussion at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), NID’s Communications Officer, Ginola Nauseb, emphasised, “By not voting, you undermine democracy and the consequences of your absence in the election”. Nauseb highlighted the example of older citizens, who stand in long queues, motivated by their experiences and the promises made to them.

There is simply no room for not voting. Voting is both a right and a responsibility, and its power lies in active participation. The stakes in this election are too high to leave our future to chance or silence. So, let’s all show up on 27 November 2024, to exercise our God-given right to vote and shape the Namibia we want to see.

*David Junias is a youth leader who enjoys researching and writing. He will serve as an election observer for the Namibia Institute for Democracy (NID) during the upcoming presidential election.