I think the problem with kleptocracy lies not with the individuals who would use their office in politics to enrich themselves, but with the system that enables them. The system of politics that does not have enough watchdogs in place or checks and balances to the power... In that way I agree with Mwatile keeping the leaders accountable.
Therefore, what enables this kleptocracy rather than democracy in Namibia? What is it that destroys emerging watchdog institutions and checks and balances to the power?
G.W.F. Hegel wrote about the state and the executive in the Philosophy of Right, "The efficiency of the State depends upon individuals, who, however, are not entitled to carry on the business of the State through natural [or untutored] fitness, but according to their objective qualifications."
Where do the corrupt government officials and politicians come from, who enables them? Are they selected to their positions of power from their merit or objective qualifications, or something else?
Kleptocracy defined @Wikipedia:
"The effects of a kleptocratic regime or government on a nation are typically adverse in regards to the faring of the state's economy, political affairs and civil rights. Kleptocracy in government often vitiates prospects of foreign investment and drastically weakens the domestic market and cross-border trade. As the kleptocracy normally embezzles money from its citizens by misusing funds derived from tax payments, or money laundering schemes, a kleptocratically structured political system tends to degrade nearly everyone's quality of life.
In addition, the money that kleptocrats steal is often taken from funds that were earmarked for public amenities, such as the building of hospitals, schools, roads, parks and the like - which has further adverse effects on the quality of life of the citizens living under a kleptocracy. The quasi-oligarchy that results from a kleptocratic elite also subverts democracy (or any other political format the state is ostensibly under)"
Ok, so Namibia is not a kleptocracy. But as I concluded in Namibian Democracy Consolidated? It hasn't consolidated it's democracy and not going towards that direction either. The emerging institutions of democracy, such as party structure and the role of opposition, various freedoms and civil liberties and such are not strenghtening. Watchdog institutions are not in place, separation of powers are failing. The list goes on. Moreover, the income differences, mark of a developing country, are increasing since the emergence of democracy 1990. In that sense, it's not suprising that corruption and kleptocratic tendencies are raising their ugly head in Namibia.
It's very unfortunate to the Brave Warriors, but the debate on Mwatile's facebook site gave me some new found hope. For or agains the issues debated there, all these young Namibians cared. And that's what is important.
