Let’s upheld the democratic principles as enshrined in our Constitution PETITION BY CONCERNED CITIZENS OF LUDERITZBUCHT Concerned Luderitzbuchters across Namibia 15 August 2013 To: The Regional Governor The Luderitz Constituency Councillor The Office of the Mayor – Luderitz Town Council Cc The Delimitation Commission Att: The Honorable Governor Bernadus Swartbooi Re: Renaming of Luderitz The undersigned concerned citizens(born and bred as well as permanent residents) of Luderitzbucht, have noticed with great sadness the recommendation by the Delimitation Commission and the subsequent announcement by His Excellency President Hifikepunye Pohamba on the 08th August 2013, where amongst others, the name of Luderitz Constituency would be changed to !Nami #Nus Constituency. As citizens of the Republic of Namibia, who believe in the rule of law and the maintenance of Democracy as well as upholding the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia as the Supreme Law, we therefore have nothing against the Delimitation Commission as it is prescribed for under the law. As concerned citizens of Luderitz we are very much concerned about the process which was undertaken to arrive at the proposed name. Changing the name of a town or constituency has far reaching implications and as such needs the input of all residents in that particular area and not only of outsiders as appears to have happened in this case. We further take cognizance of the dubious manner in which the Constituency Councillor handled this issue without getting the blessing of the inhabitants of Luderitz. It must be understood from the onset that we are not against the constitutional obligations of the Delimitation Commission, but rather the consultative process which denied us as citizens and inhabitants of Luderitz our inalienable democratic right to also participate in such an important endeavor. We therefore demand the following: a) We need clarification on the consultation process where this name was proposed, in other words who participated in such a meeting and whether adequate time was given to the people of Luderitzbucht to also make their input. Who was the responsible institution or individual who was supposed to organize the Luderitz Community and was it done? b) We further demand the minutes of such a consultative process. c) From the afore-mentioned it is evident that there was not adequate time given to the inhabitants of Luderitz to discuss these issues, as would be expected under any democratic process. We therefore demand from the Delimitation Commission to revoke the entire consultation process for the Luderitz Constituency and start with a fresh process to allow inputs from the residents and inhabitants of Luderitzbucht on the name change of the Constituency, to afford the citizens of Luderitz an opportunity as enshrined in the Constitution of Namibia to practice their rights in the changes which will affect them in future. We are saddened by the consultation process; however we remain patriotic Namibians and will continue to contribute positively to the development of our Constituency and Namibia at large. We do not see ourselves as special, but we just want fairness and justice, in order to air our views when it comes to such important aspects as name change. Furthermore as humans, who were aggrieved, would like to assure our leadership that we will ensure that the principles of our Constitution are upheld and the rule of law adhered to. We the concerned undersigned Luderitzbuchters across Namibia therefore look forward to your positive public response within fourteen days, failing which we will consider further steps. NAME ADDRESS SIGNATURE