WINDHOEK ELVIS MURARANGANDA
Namibian voters have positive opinions regarding the democratic rule of law in the country, including saying that the 2009 general elections were completely free and fair.
This was revealed in the latest survey results of the Afrobarometer's Round Five, where 1 200 adult Namibians of voting age across the country were surveyed.
Of those, 71% said the country was moving in the right direction. Despite opposition parties challenging the conduct and outcome of the 2009 general elections, 900 of the respondents said the elections were completely free and fair with minor problems.
A total of 876 of the respondents believe that the country is a full democracy or a democracy with minor problems. This number is similar to what the previous round produced for the same question.
On how satisfied the respondents are with Namibia's 23 years of democracy, 744 of those who took part said they are fairly or very satisfied.
The results also show that people believe the provision of jobs and economic support for the population are essential for democracy.
"Urban respondents seem to be more interested in political rights and processes. Rural respondents opted more strongly for economic dimensions of democracy," the results reveal.
The Afrobarometer is a comparative series of public surveys covering 35 African countries, and measures public attitudes on democracy and alternatives, evaluations of the quality of governance and economic performance.
"In describing the characteristics of democracy, Namibia's ratings are mostly consistent with the average among 22 Afrobarometer countries.
"In addition to elections being seen as free and fair, a large part of the democratic legitimacy in Namibia is underscored by the strong trust and performance evaluations of the major political and governmental bodies."
Close to 80% of the respondents say leaders should be chosen through regular, open and honest elections, while 864 feel many political parties are needed to give Namibians real choices.
Out of that grand total, 768 respondents have trust in the ruling Swapo against 384 placing their trust in opposition parties.
"Namibians' survey responses reinforce a strong sense of good government performance and optimism for a better future."
The fieldwork in Namibia was conducted by Survey Warehouse and the Institute for Public Policy Research between November 19 and December 18, 2012.