President Hage Geingob says the upholding of democratic principles and being accountable to the electorate in Namibia is not done to impress the western countries as perceived. These principles are maintained to complement the progressive economic policies aimed at closing the gap of inequality and tackling poverty. Dr Geingob was speaking during a public lecture at Harvard Kennedy School in Boston, USA, on Wednesday. As gradual reforms for the new Africa are being sought and applauded worldwide, Namibia is regarded as the embodiment of thriving democracy. President Geingob says ideals such as fundamental freedoms, free press and strengthening of democratic institutions are not privileges, but rights and the basis on which Namibia gained political freedom. He said it was for these rights and party manifestos that leaders were elected. Another realisation is the equal gender representation adopted by the SWAPO Party and the appointment of women in key ministerial positions. Among the things the Harvard scholars wanted to know was the mechanism devised to address the question of value addition to resources and the private sector involvement in the economy.