By Stefanus Nashama

As Namibia prepares for the upcoming regional council and local authority elections, the National Empowerment Fighting Corruption (NEFC) party has announced its intention to contest in 13 local authorities across the country, despite facing severe financial constraints.

The party’s president, Kenneth Iilonga, said NEFC will not participate in the regional council elections this year due to limited resources but will focus its energy on securing representation in local authorities such as Windhoek, Okahandja, Karibib, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Arandis, Helao Nafidi, Ondangwa, Oshakati, and Oniipa, among others.

“Participating in regional council elections is expensive, and the party simply cannot afford this,” Iilonga told Confidente, recently.
According to him, the party’s lack of funding and sponsorship has become a major stumbling block ahead of the this month elections. He lamented that while NEFC has the enthusiasm and manpower to expand its campaign, financial difficulties continue to hold it back. “The challenge is that no one wants to sponsor us. We need T-shirts, caps, and many other materials to make our party visible. People want to vote for us, but they are not well exposed to our message due to these limitations,” Iilonga explained.
He further alleged that some individuals who could potentially assist the NEFC are reluctant to do so because they belong to the ruling SWAPO Party and fear political repercussions.

“Those who want to help are members of SWAPO, but they fear that if they sponsor us, it might appear as though they are working against their own party,” he said.

Despite these obstacles, Iilonga maintained that NEFC will campaign wherever possible, urging Namibians and the business community to support smaller political parties financially to strengthen democracy.

“We need a fair democratic process that allows all political entities to participate equally. I am calling on the Namibian people to help sponsor our activities so that we can be visible and reach the voters,” said Iilonga.

The NEFC leader criticized other opposition parties for failing to support smaller movements like his, arguing that such divisions weaken the collective effort to challenge the ruling party’s dominance.
“If all opposition parties share the same goal of changing the system, why do those with resources cannot help those that are struggling?” he asked. 

“This shows how fragmented and self-serving some opposition movements have become.”
He suggested the government should establish a support mechanism for political parties without parliamentary representation, enabling them to meaningfully participate in elections. 

“If such parties fail to perform, then the government can withdraw that support,” Iilonga proposed.
Looking ahead, Iilonga said NEFC’s focus is on community-centered development. Should the party secure seats in the towns it contests, he promised initiatives aimed at boosting local agriculture for food production, affordable housing, and free land allocation to help eliminate informal settlements.

“Our goal is to ensure every Namibian has access to affordable housing, cheaper water, and electricity,” he said. “We want to bring back dignity to ordinary citizens through practical and people-driven projects.”
NEFC previously contested the 2024 National Assembly elections, during which it sought to secure at least 51 seats, though it fell short of winning representation.

Responding to Iilonga’s call for opposition collaboration, Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) spokesperson Immanuel Nashinge dismissed the idea as unrealistic.

Nashinge, however, suggested that Iilonga should rather seek assistance from SWAPO, saying, “SWAPO is the right party to approach since it has all the money”.

Meanwhile, political analyst Sakaria Johannes advised NEFC party to seek its own funding and resources instead of depending on support or collaboration from other political parties, many of which, he says, are already facing internal challenges.
“If there is any party willing to collaborate with Mr. Iilonga, they can, but it is not a must,” Johannes told this publication. 
“And if his party has the same aim, why can’t he just dissolve his party and join another one with similar objectives and resources?” he questioned.

Johannes said NEFC president Iilonga should stand firm on his party’s principles and demonstrate what makes his movement unique within Namibia’s political landscape.

“When you form a political party, it should be because you have a different ideology and a distinct vision for the country,” he added.