By Elezo Libanda
Makanga Village, Dec. 9 — The president of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Lukato Lukato, has reaffirmed his commitment to serving the Namibian people following the party’s historic achievement in the just-concluded elections. For the first time, the NDP secured a parliamentary seat, an accomplishment Lukato describes as a milestone worth celebrating.
Over the years, Lukato has been a vocal critic of the ruling Swapo Party, raising concerns about issues such as high failure rates in education, rising unemployment, corruption, and unequal allocation of resources to political parties. He has consistently advocated for fair treatment of all parties, including those not represented in parliament, emphasizing their role in Namibia’s democratic process.
Lukato’s rise from obscurity to prominence was fueled by strategic changes in his party’s approach. Under his leadership, the NDP adopted innovative political strategies during the recent campaigns, leveraging social media to reach a wider audience across the country. The party also showcased a more organized leadership structure, which significantly boosted its visibility and credibility.
The NDP’s efforts have borne fruit, earning the party a seat in parliament. Reflecting on this achievement, Lukato remarked, “This is a victory for the NDP and the people who believe in us. It is an accomplishment that must be celebrated.”
In the previous local authority elections, the NDP secured a seat in the Katima Mulilo local authority. Buoyed by their recent success, the party leadership is optimistic about winning more seats in the upcoming regional and local authority elections next year.
Speaking to Namibian Daily News in Queensland, Lukato described the NDP as a national political party with a vision that extends beyond Namibia to the African continent and the global stage. “The NDP is ready to address issues affecting our people locally, regionally, and globally. We aim to push for reforms and amendments to national and international laws and institutions that impact Namibians and the world,” he said.
Lukato also expressed gratitude to the Namibians who voted for the NDP, stating, “Your votes are an honour for the NDP. As your representative in parliament, I promise to deliver. I am a servant of the people and of the Almighty Living God. I will work for better living standards for all.”
While praising the peaceful nature of the elections, Lukato hinted that they were not entirely free and fair but declined to provide further details.
Recently celebrating his 64th birthday, Lukato is a father of 12 children and serves as the headman of Queensland, a village near Makanga that hosts the NDP’s headquarters.
The NDP, initially registered with the Electoral Commission of Namibia in 2004, was formerly known as the Caprivi National Democratic Party. It continues to position itself as a party advocating for inclusivity, fairness, and development for all Namibians. – Namibia Daily News
