KATIMA MULILO: The Affirmative Repositioning (AR) Movement has launched its election manifesto, “The AR Plan for Namibia,” in Katima Mulilo, situated in the Zambezi Region. The manifesto, revealed on Saturday, is centered on four key pillars: decisive leadership, an economic agenda, a legal agenda, and a social agenda. AR’s presidential candidate, Job Amupanda, expressed confidence that these strategies could transform challenges into opportunities for progress if the movement is successful in the upcoming elections.
According to Namibia News Agency, Job Amupanda emphasized the autonomous nature of the movement’s plan, stating that it was developed without external financial support. “We don’t have money from elsewhere,” he remarked, underscoring the originality and independence of their strategy. Amupanda highlighted the movement’s unique approach, stating, “We do things differently from within and internalize them.” The AR Movement received its political registration certificate from the Electoral Commissi
on of Namibia (ECN) in June, qualifying it to participate in the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for 27 November.
Amupanda stressed that the ECN certification has not altered the essence and mission of AR, but rather, it has empowered the movement to engage in new areas of advocacy. “The certificate enables AR to enter new areas of struggle to further the fight for the masses of our people,” he said. He recounted the movement’s history of activism in various arenas, including public protests, legal challenges, and discussions in high-level offices.
The manifesto outlines AR’s commitments, including job creation, the establishment of a National Pension Fund, and the maintenance and potential enhancement of all social grants. A notable proposal is the introduction of a childbirth grant for unemployed women, providing financial support for one year after childbirth. Additionally, the party plans to extend maternity leave to six months with full pay for employed women and aims to low
er the voting age from 18 to 16, reflecting its focus on empowering younger citizens.
