No woman is being wheelbarrowed to presidency – Gawanas

Human rights defender Bience Gawanas says if Namibia is to finally have its first female president, people should not say she was wheelbarrowed into the position.

Speaking on Desert Radio on Tuesday morning, Gawanas expressed optimism that this year’s election will produce a female president.

“The excitement this year for the elections is there, yes. We have women candidates. Why not? That is what democracy is all about. Make use of the space and make your presence felt. I wish the candidates, especially the women candidates, I really wish them well in their campaigns. I do not want anyone to say women had been wheelbarrowed when we finally have our first female president and I think it’s overdue, 34 years later,” she said.

Gawanas further said Namibia has maintained its position as a beacon of democracy, although there are challenges that still need to be dealt with.

“Democracy is alive and well in the sense that if you have a choice between peace and war, you will obviously go on the side of peace. I am a very proud Namibian when I say that we have proven that democracy can work. And you see, democracy does not work if there is only one party.

“I sometimes become very concerned when I hear people use the word ‘enemy’ to describe the opposition or the other side. I think it is not very good, you have to say, we are going to meet at the ballot box and the people of Namibia will decide on who will be their leaders,” she said.

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