In 2020, Namibia witnessed a political moment that felt electric. For the first time in decades, independent candidates flooded the political space with confidence and colour. They came armed not with party slogans but with promises of massive transformation and country-first politics. They stood as symbols of change, challenging the old ways and calling for a new kind of leadership. Many young Namibians were inspired. Social media buzzed with support, rallies felt fresh and free, and politics suddenly looked exciting again.
Five years later, as the country prepares for the next round of regional and local authority elections, that energy has dimmed. Reports show that the number of independent candidates has dropped by more than 26% since 2020. What happened to the movement that once felt unstoppable? And what does this decline say about democracy, youth engagement, and the nature of political hope?
The rise of independent candidates did not happen by accident. It was born from frustration, as many Namibians, especially the youth, had grown tired of party politics that seemed disconnected from real life. They wanted leaders who spoke plainly, lived among them and acted without hidden agendas. The independent movement promised that.
In 2020, names like Dr Panduleni Itula became rallying points for a new generation. His campaign as an independent presidential candidate broke political traditions and ignited curiosity. For many young people, he represented not only courage but also proof that one could challenge power structures without belonging to them. Across local councils and constituencies, other independents followed. They came from communities, schools, churches and civic groups. They did not carry party flags, but they carried the language of hope.
That moment was more than politics; it was culture. It made democracy feel personal again. It reminded the youth that leadership does not belong to politicians alone.
But politics, unlike excitement, demands structure. Independent candidates had passion, but they lacked resources. Campaigning costs money — for posters, rallies, transport and community outreach. Many ran their campaigns on personal savings and goodwill. Without party machinery, it was difficult to reach every voter or monitor every polling station.
Then came the realities of governance. Some who won seats discovered that being independent in a political system built around parties is isolating. Decision-making becomes harder without alliances, and access to funding or institutional support is limited. Others faced resistance from local councils that saw independents as outsiders.
Over time, the novelty faded, replaced by exhaustion. The idealism of 2020 met the bureaucracy of everyday politics. For some, that was disillusioning enough to step back before 2025.
A 26% drop in independent candidates is not just a statistic; it is a story about political momentum and human endurance. Movements built on emotion must eventually learn to build on systems too. Without a clear structure, ideology or long-term strategy, the fire burns brightly but briefly.
The decline does not mean that independent politics failed. It means it matured. The country now understands that running independently is not simply about being against the system; it is about creating a better one. It requires organisation, networks and shared purpose. Without those, enthusiasm turns into fatigue.
For young Namibians, this is an important lesson: every movement needs more than energy. It needs endurance. The difference between a moment and a movement is planning.
The rise of independents coincided with social media’s growing influence in Namibian politics. Online platforms gave ordinary people a voice and visibility. Hashtags and viral posts replaced door-to-door campaigning. It felt modern, democratic and empowering. But digital support does not always translate into votes. Many young people who shouted “change” online did not show up at polling stations. Others were disappointed when their chosen candidates did not win or when those who did failed to meet expectations.
Political enthusiasm, when not grounded in civic education, often fades after the first setback. Democracy cannot survive on trend cycles. It needs consistent participation, and not just in election seasons but in everyday civic life.
The drop in independent candidates may partly reflect this disappointment. After 2020, many realised that shouting from outside the system is easier than working within it. Politics tests patience, not popularity.
Some young people may see the decline of independents as proof that “nothing ever changes.” That is a dangerous thought. It breeds apathy, and apathy kills democracy faster than anything else ever could. The truth is that the excitement around independents was never wasted. It opened the door to a broader conversation about leadership, accountability and representation. It challenged old parties to rethink their engagement with citizens. It showed that people are willing to look beyond traditional lines of loyalty.
What matters now is how that energy evolves. Instead of turning away, young Namibians should stay engaged by joining civic organisations, studying public policy, starting youth forums or even contesting elections themselves. The lesson is not that independence failed, but that independence must mature.
Democracy depends not just on individuals but on systems that last beyond election dates. Independent candidates may enter the race with noble intentions, but to sustain influence, they need teamwork. This is where many fell short.
Political parties, for all their flaws, provide structure. They pool resources, train candidates and coordinate governance. Independents often underestimate this. Without a shared platform, it becomes difficult to pass motions, influence legislation or deliver promises.
For Namibia’s democracy to thrive, there must be a balance of strong parties that listen and strong independents who keep them honest. The goal is not to replace the system but to refine it.
Another major reason for the decline is funding. Running an independent campaign is expensive and often personally draining. Without access to donor networks or established sponsorships, many candidates simply cannot afford another round.
Voter fatigue also plays a role. When citizens see little change after each election, enthusiasm wanes. The youth, who were once the loudest voices for independents, have grown more cautious. They have realised that personality cannot replace policy and that leadership must be rooted in long-term commitment, not short-term excitement.
This awareness, though it feels like a loss, is actually progress. It means young people are learning to separate performance from principle.
Democracy does not end when votes are counted. It continues in how citizens engage, question and hold leaders accountable. The rise of independent candidates in 2020 showed that democracy in Namibia is alive; the decline in 2025 shows that it is learning.
Protecting democracy means nurturing it through education, participation and respect for difference. It means supporting candidates based on ideas, not emotions. It means remembering that change is a process, not a moment.
Young people must also recognise their power beyond ballots. Volunteering, community service, policy research and media engagement all shape the democratic culture. Every act of civic responsibility strengthens the roots of freedom.
Dear young Namibians, democracy is not entertainment. It is responsibility. Do not choose your leaders because they trend; choose them because they serve. Do not abandon your ideals just because progress is slow. Real change takes time.
The drop in independent candidates is not a tragedy but a turning point. It invites us to rethink how we participate, how we support and how we hold accountable those who seek to represent us. If we want better politics, we must become better citizens.
Be curious. Read manifestos. Attend meetings. Ask hard questions. Vote with your mind, not your mood. Political maturity begins when we realise that democracy is not a spectator sport.
The story of Namibia’s independent candidates is one of courage, hope, and hard lessons. It began as a dream of reclaiming politics for ordinary people, and even though the numbers have dropped, the spirit of that dream remains.
The youth must not let disillusionment harden into cynicism. Every generation inherits a version of democracy, though imperfect but alive, and it is our job to protect and improve it. Whether through parties, civic movements, or independent platforms, the goal remains the same: to serve people with honesty and vision.
Trends fade, but principles endure. The decline in independents does not mean democracy is weaker; it means it is maturing. And for young Namibians, that is both a challenge and a calling to grow with it, to guide it, and to never stop believing that our voices matter.
