Winning ICs willing to re-join 'a clean Swapo'
KENYA KAMBOWE
RUNDU
Three former Swapo members, who have now been elected as regional councillors for Kongola, Rundu Rural and Judea Lyaboloma constituencies, say they would only re-join the ruling party if it rids itself of the factors that have driven many members out of it.
Winning against Swapo candidates in last week's election were Paulus Mbangu (Rundu Rural), Likukela Basihu (Kongola) and Humphrey Divai (Judea Lyaboloma).
The three men resigned from Swapo, which recently amended its constitution to prevent members from standing as independents against the party.
Another independent candidate, Vistor Kabunga, won the Linyati Constituency, previously a Swapo stronghold in the Zambezi Region.
Mumbali Lukaezi of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) won Sibbinda Constituency, leaving Swapo in charge of only four Zambezi constituencies, namely Kabbe North, Kabbe South, Katima Mulilo Urban and Katima Mulilo Rural.
In the 2015 regional elections, Swapo won in all eight constituencies of the Zambezi Region.
Re-joining
Mbangu, Basihu and Divai said they left Swapo after it became clear that the party was losing focus in their respective regions.
Mbangu said he lost confidence in the Swapo Kavango East regional leadership and withdrew his candidacy to support another candidate to stand against the incumbent, Michael Shikongo, at the party's district conference.
“I was clear in my letter of resignation that I have nothing against Swapo; my decision was a protest against the regional leadership of the party who are destroying the party here in the region. I will be very happy if the party self-corrects,” he said.
“I have no problem joining the party as long as we settle those conditions. For now, it's pointless if the status quo remains and we will see ourselves in a cul-de-sac. If we are talking about moving forward, then those errors must be rectified.”
Both Divai and Busihu indicated that they were groomed into the structures of Swapo in their respective constituencies, but what unfolded during the district conferences and the conduct of the regional leadership forced them to resign and stand as independent candidates.
However, both, just like Paulus, indicated that they would be willing to re-join Swapo if the party was transformed and got rid of leaders they described as “greedy”.
“I would go back to Swapo if things are done smoothly and the decisions are taken collectively, otherwise now there is a serious mess that is happening, they still have to change their structures for us to have a good governance,” Busibu said.
Divai said: “I can't say that I will go back, I cannot promise now but I am still going to meet my people and make some consultations and see the way forward.”
The three councillors indicated that they will strive to address the challenges the people in their communities are faced with.
[email protected]
RUNDU
Three former Swapo members, who have now been elected as regional councillors for Kongola, Rundu Rural and Judea Lyaboloma constituencies, say they would only re-join the ruling party if it rids itself of the factors that have driven many members out of it.
Winning against Swapo candidates in last week's election were Paulus Mbangu (Rundu Rural), Likukela Basihu (Kongola) and Humphrey Divai (Judea Lyaboloma).
The three men resigned from Swapo, which recently amended its constitution to prevent members from standing as independents against the party.
Another independent candidate, Vistor Kabunga, won the Linyati Constituency, previously a Swapo stronghold in the Zambezi Region.
Mumbali Lukaezi of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) won Sibbinda Constituency, leaving Swapo in charge of only four Zambezi constituencies, namely Kabbe North, Kabbe South, Katima Mulilo Urban and Katima Mulilo Rural.
In the 2015 regional elections, Swapo won in all eight constituencies of the Zambezi Region.
Re-joining
Mbangu, Basihu and Divai said they left Swapo after it became clear that the party was losing focus in their respective regions.
Mbangu said he lost confidence in the Swapo Kavango East regional leadership and withdrew his candidacy to support another candidate to stand against the incumbent, Michael Shikongo, at the party's district conference.
“I was clear in my letter of resignation that I have nothing against Swapo; my decision was a protest against the regional leadership of the party who are destroying the party here in the region. I will be very happy if the party self-corrects,” he said.
“I have no problem joining the party as long as we settle those conditions. For now, it's pointless if the status quo remains and we will see ourselves in a cul-de-sac. If we are talking about moving forward, then those errors must be rectified.”
Both Divai and Busihu indicated that they were groomed into the structures of Swapo in their respective constituencies, but what unfolded during the district conferences and the conduct of the regional leadership forced them to resign and stand as independent candidates.
However, both, just like Paulus, indicated that they would be willing to re-join Swapo if the party was transformed and got rid of leaders they described as “greedy”.
“I would go back to Swapo if things are done smoothly and the decisions are taken collectively, otherwise now there is a serious mess that is happening, they still have to change their structures for us to have a good governance,” Busibu said.
Divai said: “I can't say that I will go back, I cannot promise now but I am still going to meet my people and make some consultations and see the way forward.”
The three councillors indicated that they will strive to address the challenges the people in their communities are faced with.
[email protected]
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