Elections in Namibia: Linchpins and catalysts for democratic development?

After a quarter of a century of independence Namibia can look back on a history of overall success. Compared with a number of other African states its record attests to a considerable degree of political stability and, with certain restrictions, a high level of democracy. No one foresaw such a generally peaceful development, so how can it be explained. This article presents the thesis that despite all — readily admitted — short- comings the key to Namibia’s overall success is the institutional linchpin of a liberal constitution and regular elections. Elections are the means of choosing officials, confirm- ing their mandate and giving them legitimacy in office. At the same time they have also a powerful control function.