Zambezi Region: A Battle Ground for Political Power
The Zambezi Region is gearing up for intense political competition in the upcoming Regional Council and Local Authority Elections, with a complex history and recent administrative challenges. This region, comprising eight constituencies, witnessed a fiercely contested 2020 Regional Council election between Swapo and independent candidates.
Swapo dominated in several constituencies, including Katima Mulilo Urban, where John Muchila secured 1831 votes, surpassing Matengu Mweti Marklee of PDM (557 votes). Similarly, Swapo's Simushi Wardens Matengu won Katima Mulilo Rural with 1290 votes, outpacing Sankwasa Daniel Sinyemba of PDM (352 votes) and Mahoto Innocent of IPC (303 votes). Kabbe South and Kabbe North followed suit, with Swapo's Likando John Musialela and Sisamu Kamwi respectively, securing 1001 and 1116 votes.
However, independent candidates made a strong showing in the remaining constituencies. Divai Humphrey's 1250 votes in Judea Lyaboloma defeated Swapo's Sinalumbu Bafeze (722 votes), while Busihu Bennety Likulela won the Kongola Constituency with 1236 votes, ahead of Swapo's Muluti David Siyayo (538 votes) and Walubita Adams Mayando of PDM (384 votes). In Linyanti, independent candidate Kabunga Ivene Vistor emerged victorious with 1903 votes, followed by Swapo's Musukubili Mwangala Sonnia (925 votes).
The region's past is marred by a challenging history. Mishake Muyongo, former president of the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (now Popular Democratic Movement), was linked to the Caprivi Liberation Army's advocacy for the Caprivi strip's secession. After a treason trial, he fled to Denmark in 1998. The Zambezi Regional Council faced mismanagement, with chief officer Regina Ndopu-Lubinda and senior officials arrested for alleged corruption in a N$4 million project.
Residents have been vocal about project delays and budget issues, demanding accountability from their leaders. With 54,347 registered voters out of 62,900 eligible, the 2025 Regional Council election promises high engagement. Katima Mulilo Urban leads with 20,462 registered voters, followed by Katima Mulilo Rural (6,516). The remaining constituencies have lower voter registration, with Sibbinda (6,465), Kongola (5,035), Kabbe North (4,314), Kabbe South (3,687), and Judea Lyaboloma (3,438) following suit.
The region's local authority, Katima Mulilo, will see multiple political parties vying for seats, including Affirmative Repositioning, All People's Party, Independent Patriot's for Change, National Democratic Party of Namibia, Popular Democratic Movement, Republican Party, Swapo, United Party of Namibia, and Katima Alliance Development Association.
