Namibia: election outlook

This brief report describes the election outlook in Namibia following the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 435 (1978) which provides the framework for Namibia’s transition to independence. The elections are scheduled for 7 to 11 November 1989 and will be contested by ten parties and alliances. This report lists the various voter categories, the parties and alliances that have registered for the elections, and describes the issues shaping the electoral prospects of the parties, and the probable outcome of the elections. The main issues are uncertainty over detainees held by SWAPO in Angola and Zambia, the quality of SWAPO leadership, the question of intimidation and violence, the choice of campaign strategy, and attitudes towards South Africa. Estimates vary, but the broad outcome is expected to be SWAPO as the dominant party, followed by the DTA and the UDF.