Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Timo Shihepo
Published on 2024-03-10 06:08:42
The ruling party, Swapo, is currently embroiled in discussions regarding the interpretation of its constitution in relation to the nomination of a presidential candidate. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to be named as the ruling party’s presidential candidate without the need for an extraordinary congress.
The legal interpretation, which will be at the forefront of discussions during the central committee (CC) meeting in Windhoek, asserts that Swapo’s constitution does not explicitly require an extraordinary congress to be held within three months after the death of a president. This interpretation paves the way for Nandi-Ndaitwah to ascend to the ruling party’s presidential candidate position.
The internal politics of the ruling party are divided between Nandi-Ndaitwah’s faction, which supports this interpretation, and a faction that seeks to challenge for the party’s leadership. The argument revolves around the use of the words “called” and “held” in the party’s constitution in reference to the timeframe for holding an extraordinary congress.
According to legal advisors, the constitution stipulates that an extraordinary congress shall be called within three months of a president’s vacancy but does not explicitly state that the congress should be held within that timeframe. Swapo leaders aligned with Nandi-Ndaitwah’s faction are expected to present this legal interpretation at the CC meeting.
Many anticipate that the CC meeting will endorse Nandi-Ndaitwah as Swapo’s presidential candidate and announce the date of the next ordinary congress. The party’s constitution outlines that in the absence of a president, the vice president assumes the presidential duties until the election of a new president at the ordinary congress.
Swapo’s secretary general, Sophia Shaningwa, expressed confidence that the CC meeting will lead to a decision that is in the best interest of the party. The decision-making process will adhere to the party’s constitution and rules.
Various party members have expressed their views on the matter, with some calling for adherence to the constitution and others raising concerns about the timing and logistics of holding an extraordinary congress. Former Cabinet minister Helmut Angula advocated for an extraordinary congress within the timeframe prescribed by Swapo’s constitution to fill the party president position.
Despite differing opinions within the party, the focus remains on the upcoming CC meeting and the decision regarding the presidential candidate nomination. The political landscape within Swapo is dynamic, with various factions and individuals positioning themselves for leadership roles within the party. The outcome of the CC meeting will have significant implications for the future direction of Swapo and its leadership structure.
Read the original article on The Namibian
