IPC’s Smith-Howard challenges suspension

OGONE TLHAGE WINDHOEK Erongo regional council chairperson Ciske Smith-Howard is challenging a decision by her party, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), to suspend her, and wants the process that led thereto declared null and void.The IPC suspended Smith-Howard in October 2021. In December, she was invited to a disciplinary hearing to investigate claims of misconduct levelled against her, without the aid of a legal representative.Challenging the decision at the time, Smith-Howard questioned the suspension, saying - though her lawyer, Tshuka Luvindao - that she had never been found guilty of any wrongdoing.“Our client was yet to be found guilty of any wrongdoing in terms of the IPC constitution or any other law. The IPC national steering committee did not establish and/or authorise the investigation committee,” Luvindao said.According to him, Smith-Howard was being treated as if she has been found guilty.DemandsYesterday through her lawyer, Smith-Howard demanded that an order calling for her suspension by IPC and its general secretary, Christine Aochamus, be set aside. She also demanded that her suspension be declared null and void of legal consequences, and set aside. The former IPC councillor also wants any intent to discipline her by the party be declared null and void and set aside.Meanwhile, she has demanded that the IPC and Aochamus be ordered to pay the legal costs of the action.Affecting votersWeighing in on the issue, political analyst Ndumbah Kamanyah said where it is justified for suspensions and restraints to be carried out, it is fair.“If there is a genuine case, accountability should take place. It is important for political parties to make sure councillors act in an ethical manner.”He added that where suspensions are carried out arbitrarily, it often negatively affects voters because of delays in decision-making in instances where councillors cannot carry out their official duties.

IPC’s Smith-Howard challenges suspension

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Namibian Sun 2022-05-29

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IPC’s Smith-Howard challenges suspension

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Namibian Sun 2022-05-29

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