By: Anton Mbinge
Swapo party President Hage Geingob cautioned members who are competing for the top leadership positions to do so in a disciplined manner and ensure that democracy prevails. Geingob also cautioned candidates to refrain from attacking one another. Speaking at the launch of the 2022 Swapo party internal campaign, Geingob told the candidates that they are not campaigning against enemies but convincing the masses why they are the most suitable candidates to lead the Swapo party.
“There is no reason for personal attacks because at the end of the day, we are all expected, as disciplined and revolutionary cadres, to rally behind the winners and help them lead the Swapo party to victory in the 2024 national elections and beyond”, Geingob said.
The party concluded their politburo and central committee meetings where they elected candidates who will compete for the vice-president, secretary-general and deputy-secretary general at the elective congress in November.
Deputy prime minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, minister of environment ,forestry and tourism Pohamba Shifeta are competing for the Swapo vice-president candidate. Geingob announced yesterday that the Minister of defence and veterans affairs, Frans Kapofi who was among the four candidates for vice-president withdrew from the race .
Although Geingob will run unopposed at the elective congress, he assured members that he too will step aside when the time is right. “ I too, will hand over the reins to the cadre who will be entrusted to lead the Swapo party as its president".
In addition, central committee member Albert Kawana urged the candidates to adhere to the election guidelines and emphasised that any form of misconduct will result in disqualification of the candidate.
“Election campaigns prior to the 7th party congress is an internal matter within the party, therefore, open public rallies are strictly prohibited. Any de-campaigning, directly or indirectly against other candidates, such as defamation of character through WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik-Tok, Youtube as well as press releases and interviews against other candidates is prohibited,” said Kawana.
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