NMH hosts training for journalists ahead of November elections
In anticipation of Namibia's November elections, the Network Media Hub (NMH) held an election workshop for its editorial staff, focusing on key issues in political party manifestos and campaign coverage.
The event, facilitated by Namibian Sun news editor Mathias Haufiku, featured presentations by political analyst Graham Hopwood and political scholar Dr Ndumba Kamwanyah.
Kamwanyah stressed that journalists should study and interrogate political parties’ manifestos, as they are likely to propose expanding social safety nets, redistributing wealth and improving access to basic services.
“The equitable distribution of resources from oil, gas and green hydrogen projects will be critical in these discussions. Journalists should critically examine how parties intend to address these issues, particularly in reducing poverty and addressing regional disparities,” he said.
Old and new
He added that journalists should pay close attention to how traditional parties respond to these issues and whether new candidates offer viable alternatives that resonate with a younger electorate.
Kamwanyah also encouraged journalists to monitor how Swapo and other major parties adapt to this reality, especially in their campaign strategies and voter outreach efforts.
“Swapo's declining support base, exacerbated by recent corruption scandals and a perceived disconnect from grassroots issues, is a significant narrative in this election. With numerous parties and candidates now competing, the electoral 'cake' is being sliced into smaller pieces, making it harder for any single party to secure a decisive victory.”
Scrutinise promises
Journalists reporting on the national elections are also encouraged to be vigilant in comparing current manifestos with previous promises made by the parties and to interrogate the track records of key candidates, particularly those with significant roles.
“It is essential to scrutinise whether the promises made are realistic within the current economic and political context. Are there clear plans for how policies will be funded? Do the manifestos provide timelines for implementation? The specificity of the proposals is also important. Vague promises without clear implementation strategies often lack credibility.”
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The event, facilitated by Namibian Sun news editor Mathias Haufiku, featured presentations by political analyst Graham Hopwood and political scholar Dr Ndumba Kamwanyah.
Kamwanyah stressed that journalists should study and interrogate political parties’ manifestos, as they are likely to propose expanding social safety nets, redistributing wealth and improving access to basic services.
“The equitable distribution of resources from oil, gas and green hydrogen projects will be critical in these discussions. Journalists should critically examine how parties intend to address these issues, particularly in reducing poverty and addressing regional disparities,” he said.
Old and new
He added that journalists should pay close attention to how traditional parties respond to these issues and whether new candidates offer viable alternatives that resonate with a younger electorate.
Kamwanyah also encouraged journalists to monitor how Swapo and other major parties adapt to this reality, especially in their campaign strategies and voter outreach efforts.
“Swapo's declining support base, exacerbated by recent corruption scandals and a perceived disconnect from grassroots issues, is a significant narrative in this election. With numerous parties and candidates now competing, the electoral 'cake' is being sliced into smaller pieces, making it harder for any single party to secure a decisive victory.”
Scrutinise promises
Journalists reporting on the national elections are also encouraged to be vigilant in comparing current manifestos with previous promises made by the parties and to interrogate the track records of key candidates, particularly those with significant roles.
“It is essential to scrutinise whether the promises made are realistic within the current economic and political context. Are there clear plans for how policies will be funded? Do the manifestos provide timelines for implementation? The specificity of the proposals is also important. Vague promises without clear implementation strategies often lack credibility.”
[email protected]
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