Affirmative Reposition (AR) Movement-backed Edison Uapingene said he is the right candidate to transform the fortunes of Katutura. He will contest as an independent candidate in Katutura Central in the November Regional Council and Local Authority Elections. While being interviewed recently, he asserted that it is opportune for fresh blood to take up political positions rather than watching from the periphery. Rife with crime and a hub for unemployed youth hovering in despair, Uapingene said he intends to overturn the odds in Katutura Central. “I want to bring in programmes to make sure that our young people don’t take the route of becoming tsotsis [criminals] but to mentor them into becoming better men and women of our country,” he said. He has prioritising urban land delivery, housing and sanitation, education, public health and social welfare, public safety, youth empowerment, sport, culture and reaction. On his relationship with AR, Uapingene described it as telepathic. “It’s a movement that every young person should affiliate to for us to one day have a roof over our heads,” he advanced. Further, the clergyman-cum-activist is not naïve to the financial dilemma, but for him, the Government’s priorities have for far too long been misplaced, adding that housing and land delivery have been neglected. More so, he said: “Government is now under more pressure as the people are tired of empty promises. We are also going to put pressure on the Government to try and prioritise the issue of land.” The 33-year-old will face stiff competition from candidates fielded by seasoned political formations such as SWAPO, Popular Democratic Movement, National Unity Democratic Organisation, Landless Peoples Movement and SWANU, among others. “It’s going to be a very competitive race. If you look at the calibre of the individuals fielded by political parties in this constituency, voters are going to have a tough time to decide,” political analyst and Katutura Central resident, Ndumba Kamwanyah said when interviewed on Wednesday. He also expects the situation to be the same countrywide. “Our voting patterns are changing. People are now focusing on which candidates can deliver. It’s no longer about talks and party colours. Political parties are aware that a mere political name will not win them a seat.”