Cat among the pigeons
Swapo electoral college fever is on the rise, with some interesting names being thrown into the 'pot'.
Former Swapo youth leader Elijah Ngurare is eyeing an extraordinary return to mainstream politics, following his nomination by the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW) as one of the ruling party's parliamentary candidates for the upcoming electoral college. NUNW secretary-general Job Muniaro and Ndilimani Cultural Troupe boss Jezzy Nombanza have also been nominated, as Swapo electoral college fever gains momentum.
The three female candidates are Swapo Khomas regional mobiliser Mirjam Onesmus, Rauha Ndilula and Veueza Christophine Kasiringwa.
Ngurare, who served for two terms as Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) leader until 2015, yesterday confirmed his nomination, saying it is the first time he is contesting for an MP seat at the electoral college, also known as the 'pot'.
“I have been giving an opportunity to serve others. I didn't want to use the youth league as a springboard for my growth,” the 48-year-old Ngurare said.
“I wanted to make others. The time was not right. I have now decided to give it a try and it is up to the (electoral college) delegates.”
Ngurare added he is prepared to serve, if elected as a member of parliament, and will help redirect Namibia towards a path of genuine nation-building.
“We need to make sure we speak the language of nationhood all the time. In all 14 regions and 121 constituencies of our country, every Namibian must feel that all the resources of Namibia belong to them. From Aroab, Katjinakatji, Okatana to Okanguati, they should all have that sense of belonging,” he said.
Ngurare has survived some tough political battles over the last decade. In 2015, he was expelled from the ruling party along with youth activists Job Amupanda, Dimbulukeni Nauyoma and George Kambala, who had formed the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement, which among others called for radical solutions to the country's land question.
However, the Windhoek High Court in 2016 lifted their suspension and expulsion, saying it was unlawful.
Ngurare was also nearly unseated before the 2012 SPYL congress, after a faction within the youth league unsuccessfully sought a vote of no confidence in him.
“We have become so polarised and divided. We need to selflessly advocate for the implementation of the Swapo Party political programme, for the benefit of all Namibians, especially those in rural areas. The Swapo political programme is the centrepiece or nucleus of what has to happen, especially in a society where many young people are frustrated because of economic challenges. We need to cushion their frustrations with tangible policies,” Ngurare said yesterday.
Economy interests
Meanwhile, Muniaro said he was looking forward to the electoral college, and to continue serving as a servant of the Namibian people, once he is elected.
“The people who I am serving seconded me. There is no economy in the world without the workers,” he said.
As an affiliate of the ruling party, the NUNW is mandated to elect 12 delegates, including six who will contest as MP candidates at the Swapo 'pot'.
This is contrary to earlier reports, which indicated that the umbrella union could only send six delegates. Both the youth league and Swapo elders' council will also each send 12 delegates and six candidates for the pot, while the women's council has the constitutional privilege of being represented by 20 delegates, of which 10 are 'pot' candidates. Current Swapo MPs who are part of the central committee are automatic delegates to the 'pot'.
This effectively means there will be well over 270 delegates at the electoral college, which is slated for this weekend in Windhoek, amidst deepening divisions and factionalism.
A number of regions, including Oshana, Erongo, Otjozondjupa, Kavango East and Oshikoto, are yet to complete their extraordinary conferences to elect 'pot' candidates, due to disputes and alleged irregularities.
There are allegations that some party leaders are nose-deep in influencing the outcomes of some of the regional votes to determine the electoral college candidates and delegates.
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FESTUS NAKATANA
The three female candidates are Swapo Khomas regional mobiliser Mirjam Onesmus, Rauha Ndilula and Veueza Christophine Kasiringwa.
Ngurare, who served for two terms as Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) leader until 2015, yesterday confirmed his nomination, saying it is the first time he is contesting for an MP seat at the electoral college, also known as the 'pot'.
“I have been giving an opportunity to serve others. I didn't want to use the youth league as a springboard for my growth,” the 48-year-old Ngurare said.
“I wanted to make others. The time was not right. I have now decided to give it a try and it is up to the (electoral college) delegates.”
Ngurare added he is prepared to serve, if elected as a member of parliament, and will help redirect Namibia towards a path of genuine nation-building.
“We need to make sure we speak the language of nationhood all the time. In all 14 regions and 121 constituencies of our country, every Namibian must feel that all the resources of Namibia belong to them. From Aroab, Katjinakatji, Okatana to Okanguati, they should all have that sense of belonging,” he said.
Ngurare has survived some tough political battles over the last decade. In 2015, he was expelled from the ruling party along with youth activists Job Amupanda, Dimbulukeni Nauyoma and George Kambala, who had formed the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement, which among others called for radical solutions to the country's land question.
However, the Windhoek High Court in 2016 lifted their suspension and expulsion, saying it was unlawful.
Ngurare was also nearly unseated before the 2012 SPYL congress, after a faction within the youth league unsuccessfully sought a vote of no confidence in him.
“We have become so polarised and divided. We need to selflessly advocate for the implementation of the Swapo Party political programme, for the benefit of all Namibians, especially those in rural areas. The Swapo political programme is the centrepiece or nucleus of what has to happen, especially in a society where many young people are frustrated because of economic challenges. We need to cushion their frustrations with tangible policies,” Ngurare said yesterday.
Economy interests
Meanwhile, Muniaro said he was looking forward to the electoral college, and to continue serving as a servant of the Namibian people, once he is elected.
“The people who I am serving seconded me. There is no economy in the world without the workers,” he said.
As an affiliate of the ruling party, the NUNW is mandated to elect 12 delegates, including six who will contest as MP candidates at the Swapo 'pot'.
This is contrary to earlier reports, which indicated that the umbrella union could only send six delegates. Both the youth league and Swapo elders' council will also each send 12 delegates and six candidates for the pot, while the women's council has the constitutional privilege of being represented by 20 delegates, of which 10 are 'pot' candidates. Current Swapo MPs who are part of the central committee are automatic delegates to the 'pot'.
This effectively means there will be well over 270 delegates at the electoral college, which is slated for this weekend in Windhoek, amidst deepening divisions and factionalism.
A number of regions, including Oshana, Erongo, Otjozondjupa, Kavango East and Oshikoto, are yet to complete their extraordinary conferences to elect 'pot' candidates, due to disputes and alleged irregularities.
There are allegations that some party leaders are nose-deep in influencing the outcomes of some of the regional votes to determine the electoral college candidates and delegates.
[email protected]
FESTUS NAKATANA
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