Time to Vote

So as everyone I'm sure knows, Namibia has an election coming up on the 27th-28th of November. While not quite a political junkie, I am applying to get a PhD in political science, so I am understandably interested. Political science in many ways is the study of how individuals and groups of people make decisions. Seeing these decisions take place in a country so new to democracy is fascinating. [Side note: when I tell my students that the US declared independence over 230 years ago I am met with silent disbelief].

Without getting too much into the details or taking sides, it seems clear that SWAPO, the ruling party since independence, will come out on top again. They seem to be apprehansive about some of the new opposition parties, and accusations of corruption fly back and forth daily. I try to avoid stereotypes, but I must admit that I have seen some of the "typical" African corruption going on (or is it just developing areas in general?), as well as examples of so-called African "big men." I would say that some members of my staff would qualify for that role: so charismatic and charming that it is sometimes hard to remember that you disagree with them on fundamental issues.

Living here and trying to explain how things work back home has made me think that it will be equally challenging to explain Namibian experiences when I return home. Trying to answer the question "Sir, what tribe are you?" has been frustrating me for the last month. When you start talking politics, oh how much more difficult it becomes. Of course, this is exactly what I find interesting, and ultimately what I want to study. What sorts of local traditions, values, etc. affect the way countries interact with each other at a global level? This is both a source of conflict but also of the great diversity of people on Earth.

Enough philosophizing. I have enough stress and excitement trying to write my statement of purpose. Anyway, with the Namibian propensity to switch r's and l's, the big election coming up will be sure to surprise and entertain.