Swapo to lose N$13m yearly, PDM N$12m

The ruling Swapo party will lose an annual income of N$13 million following its loss of 12 seats in the November 2024 National Assembly elections. Similarly, the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) is set to lose N$12 million yearly after losing 11 seats.Public funding for political parties is distributed quarterly, with allocations determined by the number of parliamentary seats each party holds.Swapo currently holds 63 National Assembly seats. With each seat valued at approximately N$1.1 million annually, the party has been earning about N$69.3 million per year since March 2020. Additionally, Swapo receives nearly N$30 million annually for its 27 seats in the National Council, stemming from the 2020 regional government elections.The reduction in seats will significantly impact the party’s finances, which previously benefited from a much larger allocation due to its dominance in parliament.PDM’s declineOfficial opposition PDM, now holding 16 National Assembly seats from the 2019 election, has been receiving N$18 million annually since 2020. With two National Council seats valued at N$2.2 million, the party has been receiving a total of N$20.2 million per year. The loss of seats, after it managed to win only five seats in the National Assembly in the November election, will lead to a sharp reduction in its annual income.Rising partiesThe Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), which emerged as a significant player in the 2020 elections, will earn approximately N$22 million annually for its 20 National Assembly seats. The IPC also holds two National Council seats, adding another N$2.2 million annually to its funding.The Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement secured six National Assembly seats, and will earn N$6.6 million annually.The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) increased its representation by one National Assembly seat to five, raising its annual funding from N$4.4 million to N$5.5 million. The LPM also holds six National Council seats, generating an additional N$6.6 million annually since 2021.Implications for Swapo and PDMPolitical commentator Ndumba Kamwanyah highlighted the financial and political implications of the seat losses for Swapo and PDM.“A reduced number of seats directly impacts a party’s financial allocation, which affects its ability to operate effectively,” he said.Kamwanyah noted that Swapo’s continued decline in parliamentary representation since 2019 indicates waning popularity. “This trend is concerning for Swapo. They need to reorganize and work on regaining support ahead of this year’s regional and local elections. If the downward trend continues, it could spell further trouble for the party.”Despite the losses, Kamwanyah acknowledged that Swapo still commands significant funding, albeit reduced from previous years when it held a more dominant position in parliament.For PDM, the sharp decrease in income poses challenges to maintaining its operational capacity and political influence.The upcoming regional and local elections are seen as a critical moment for Swapo to reverse its declining fortunes and for other parties to consolidate their gains.kenya@nmh-hub.com.na

Swapo to lose N$13m yearly, PDM N$12m

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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Swapo to lose N$13m yearly, PDM N$12m

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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