Ex-PDM lawmaker doubles as Outjo association treasurer
Former Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Pieter Mostert has confirmed that he remains a member of the party while serving as treasurer of the Outjo Residents Association (ORA), which is registered with the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) and could compete against PDM in the upcoming local authority election.
ECN spokesperson De Wet Siluka confirmed that ORA had registered for the elections but noted that the association remains subject to objections, if any are lodged.
Mostert described ORA as a non-political body and indicated that he may not campaign for PDM due to strained relations with the party’s local leadership.
“I did not resign from PDM," he told Namibian Sun.
"As an accountant I am helping these people [ORA] out, as our town needs a non-political association, because some people want to vote but do not want to be involved in politics and political parties. If PDM wants to kick me out because of that, it is up to them,” he said.
He added: “I am not sure at this stage if I am going to do campaign work at all. It is early days and let us wait until Outjo residents are fully registered. As I am not on good speaking terms with the local management of PDM in Outjo, I am sure I will not campaign for PDM.”
Party seats
Mostert was among six PDM members previously found to have been unlawfully sworn in as members of parliament. They were ordered to vacate the National Assembly after serving for less than five years.
The National Assembly, which had paid their remuneration and made deductions to the pension fund, submitted withdrawal claims on behalf of the six. The fund subsequently processed most claims and paid out withdrawal benefits.
PDM president McHenry Venaani and the party’s secretary-general, Manuel Ngaringombe, could not be reached for comment on whether the party’s constitution allows members to join formations that could potentially face PDM at the ballot.
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ECN spokesperson De Wet Siluka confirmed that ORA had registered for the elections but noted that the association remains subject to objections, if any are lodged.
Mostert described ORA as a non-political body and indicated that he may not campaign for PDM due to strained relations with the party’s local leadership.
“I did not resign from PDM," he told Namibian Sun.
"As an accountant I am helping these people [ORA] out, as our town needs a non-political association, because some people want to vote but do not want to be involved in politics and political parties. If PDM wants to kick me out because of that, it is up to them,” he said.
He added: “I am not sure at this stage if I am going to do campaign work at all. It is early days and let us wait until Outjo residents are fully registered. As I am not on good speaking terms with the local management of PDM in Outjo, I am sure I will not campaign for PDM.”
Party seats
Mostert was among six PDM members previously found to have been unlawfully sworn in as members of parliament. They were ordered to vacate the National Assembly after serving for less than five years.
The National Assembly, which had paid their remuneration and made deductions to the pension fund, submitted withdrawal claims on behalf of the six. The fund subsequently processed most claims and paid out withdrawal benefits.
PDM president McHenry Venaani and the party’s secretary-general, Manuel Ngaringombe, could not be reached for comment on whether the party’s constitution allows members to join formations that could potentially face PDM at the ballot.
[email protected]
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