Africa-Press – Namibia. The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) on Tuesday terminated the membership of seven of its members with immediate effect for contesting as independent candidates or supporting opposition candidates in the upcoming elections.
This was announced by PDM secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe on Tuesday.
The seven members include Richard Hoaeb, who is contesting as an independent candidate in the Walvis Bay Rural constituency, Florence Ndinda, who is standing as an independent candidate in the Okakarara constituency, Ernest Muraranganda, contesting in the local authority elections at Otjiwarongo under Swanu of Namibia and Piet Mostert, contesting under the Outjo Residents’ Association.
Meanwhile, Dankeni Tjilongo, Hermina Khairabes and Jenny Kandukira were dismissed for supporting the Outjo Residents’ Association in the Outjo local authority elections.
“These actions are in direct violation of the PDM constitution. In terms of Article 12 (1)(ii) of the PDM constitution, ‘A member ceases to be a member if they stand for or accept nomination against an official candidate of the PDM in any public election’,” Ngaringombe said.
He said Article 13 (2)(iii) of the Constitution stipulates that: “Members must pledge their unwavering loyalty and support to the PDM and commit themselves to the advancement of the interests of the PDM and the Namibian nation.”
Ngaringombe said the decision was based on the members either standing against the party’s endorsed candidates or supporting rival parties and associations in the upcoming election.
The individuals have violated the party’s principles of unity, loyalty, and discipline, thereby automatically forfeiting their membership in accordance with the Constitution, he explained.
He said discipline and loyalty remain the cornerstones of PDM’s movement and any defiance of the party’s decisions undermines its mission to serve Namibians with integrity and commitment.
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