Africa-Press – Namibia.
As the November elections draw closer, several political parties have made it clear their constitutions do not permit members to contest as independent candidates or represent associations in the upcoming regional and local authority polls.
Swapo Party deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga this week reminded members to strictly adhere to the party’s constitution, as amended in 2020.
Article 6 (b) of the Swapo constitution states: “Automatic loss of membership once a member is registered or seeks or attempts to register as an independent candidate, or as a representative of an association for presidential, regional, local authority or any other election for which such a member is not elected or endorsed by the relevant structure of the party.”
The provision further allows for expulsion in line with the party’s disciplinary rules.
This stance follows reports of various activists affiliated to political parties having publicly declared their intention to contest regional and local authority seats.
Among them is Gobabis-based Swapo member Veronica Mokaleng, founder of the Right to Shelter Association (RSA), who intends to contest the Gobabis municipality elections under her association’s banner. Mokaleng told New Era she still considers herself a member of Swapo.
“Yes, I am contesting. The residents of Omaheke are tired, and they want change. People voted for the council to facilitate service delivery, but they are currently looting while the town is in chaos,” she charged.
Another vocal activist who is known to be affiliated to Swapo is Outjo-based social justice campaigner Mazenge Uaundja.
“I want to contest the Outjo constituency office as an independent candidate,” he confirmed. Uaundja promised to prioritise youth employment by facilitating access to projects and tenders, particularly in mining, agriculture and tourism, and linking them to training opportunities. He also pledged to uplift informal settlements and ensure underutilised farmland is allocated to landless and previously disadvantaged communities.
Reacting to these announcements, Herunga maintained: “The Swapo Party discourages members from associating with other political parties or political formations.”
The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has echoed similar sentiments. Its spokesperson, Jeffery Mwilima, told New Era the party’s constitution bars members from standing as independents.
“A paid-up member, especially one in the party structure, cannot be an independent candidate… In most cases, it’s a result of individuals who lost primary elections wanting to contest and express themselves as independents,” Mwilima explained.
He pointed to a recent case in the Okakarara constituency, where a senior leader in the party’s women’s league expressed interest in contesting as an independent.
“It’s democracy in practice — you can’t stop them if they want to exercise their democratic right. However, when members contest as independents, it often divides votes and creates disunity within the party,” Mwilima warned.
The National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) has also reaffirmed its rejection of independent candidates. Secretary general Joseph Uapingene said while the Nudo constitution does not explicitly outline disciplinary procedures, members automatically forfeit their membership once they act against the party.
He cited the example of former Nudo secretary general Joseph Kauandenge, who recently launched the Affirmative Solutions for Localised Interests (Asoli) organisation.
“Although there is no provision in the constitution, automatically the member has expelled himself, and the party expects him to surrender his membership card,” Uapingene said.
Kauandenge, in a recent interview with New Era, defended his move, insisting that Nudo’s constitution does not prohibit members from forming other associations.
“Anyone who asks me that question must show me where the Nudo constitution says I cannot start an association. I’ve read the constitution, and there’s no clause against it. The only restriction is against dual membership in different political parties,” Kauandenge argued.
He explained that Asoli is not a political party but a community-driven initiative aimed at strengthening local governance.
“Our top priority is to improve local governance, ensuring municipal councils, regional authorities, and other local bodies deliver the services people need and expect. We also want to focus on economic empowerment, particularly for youth and small businesses. Housing and urban development are critical issues as well,” he said.
Kauandenge stressed that Asoli’s mission is to ensure citizens play an active role in decisions affecting their daily lives, including infrastructure projects and service delivery.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
