AS Namibia prepares for elections in 2009, politicking will increase and the heat is going to be turned up considerably over the next 12 months.

It is the stuff of developing and mature democracies to allow different views and opinions to be canvassed and promoted by different political and social interests, and so it should be.

But in recent months, events at Omuthiya, Omusati, Tobias Hainyeko and Greenwell Matongo have left more than just simply a bitter taste.

If these events are an indication as to what might happen as the elections get under way and when temperatures rise, then it is our duty and constitutional right to warn Namibians of the dangers of reckless and confrontational behaviour, which can lead not only to potential ungovernability but also injury and even death.

The recent political thuggery of Swapo Party supporters, often encouraged by senior party officials, in declaring "no-go" zones for other parties to canvass support and to peddle their ideas to our population is completely unacceptable.

Our Constitution guarantees people the right to peaceful assembly, wherever that may be in the country and regardless of which group they represent.

All political parties, including the Rally for Democracy and Progress, the Congress of Democrats, the All People's Party, the UDF, the DTA, the Republican Party, Nudo and others, are entitled to promote and canvass support for their ideas.

Swapo has NO right to prevent them from doing so.

All political parties must likewise exercise restraint and avoid provocation of opposing groups and all political leaders must instil in their supporters the need to comply.

But in particular, given recent events, The Namibian appeals to the Swapo leadership to inform their cadres, supporters and structures to stop this undemocratic behaviour and dictatorial insanity.

Party officials have to lead by example and demonstrate their belief in non-violent methods of conflict resolution through being on the ground to guide their supporters.

We cannot afford, nor do we want our country to descend into anarchy.