Africa-Press – Namibia. The Lüderitz Town Council is set to elect a new mayor among the current political parties this week, after Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) councillor and mayor Phil Balhao resigned.
The election will take place once the vacant councillor position is filled.
Balhao resigned from the IPC on Tuesday.
IPC’s !Nami≠Nüs constituency executive will decide on who will take up the position on the council for the next two months.
According to the 2020 Electoral Commission of Namibia candidates list, Josua Pineas is in line to go to council.
Pineas would join Lovisa Batromeus from IPC who currently sits on the council.
Lüderitz acting chief executive Otto Shipanga yesterday in a public notice confirmed that a new mayor will be elected next week.
“Post consultations with political parties to elect a mayor among the serving councillors have begun.
This is in accordance with section 12 of the Local Authorities Act 23 of 1992 as amended, council intends to elect a mayor among serving councillors on or before 30 September,” said Shipanga.
He said the resignation will not interfere with the execution of the council’s mandates, citing that it remains committed to providing all services to its stakeholders.
The council wished Balhao all the best in his endeavours and extended gratitude for his contribution and dedication towards the council during his tenure, Shipanga said.
Balhao cited his resignation to personal reasons. He thanked the party for great memories and lessons learnt, while acknowledging those who stood with him in ensuring the town’s development.
He said he remains optimistic about the town’s future and will continue to be involved, but through different initiatives such as his new association.
IPC spokesperson Imms Nashinge extended his best wishes to Balhao and wished him the best.
‘NEW NON-POLITICAL MOVEMENT’
Meanwhile, Balhao told The Namibian yesterday that with his new movement, the Lüderitz Ratepayers Association, he aims to cater to those who do not necessarily wish to be involved in politics.
“The association will be an apolitical party only for local authorities where it is created, for ratepayers that would want to be represented without being involved in politics as there are a lot of people who are not into politics.
The aim is to cater for them. There’s so much politics going on that some people just don’t want to involve themselves with,” he said.
Balhao said the association will be working for and fighting for the betterment of the community without the political aspects.
He, however, said there are “no firm commitments” as they are waiting until Monday to finalise the formation.
“We are just waiting on the right kind of support before we move forward to registering the movement,” he said, adding that about eight to 10 people have joined so far.
“We will try it this way without political interference.”
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
