Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The National Unity Democratic Organisation’s (Nudo) leadership will remain in charge until May next year although they did not run for office at the party’s electoral college over the weekend.
The party’s secretary general, Joseph Kauandenge, announced this on Sunday.
“We will officially hand over these positions to new incoming leaders who will be elected at our congress, as we have indicated that both of us will also not stand for the president or secretary-general position at our congress next year,” he said.
Kauandenge and the party’s president, Ester Muinjangue, have been at Nudo’s helm for the past five years and are members of parliament.
According to Kauandenge, the period has not been easy.
“It was five years of hell, anarchy and internal turmoil caused by some disgruntled elements within the party, who clearly have become insects busy feasting on the flesh of the party from within,” he said.
He said they remained steadfast in their resolve to always put the party’s interest at heart.
“We always have and will continue to protect the party as an institution that must outlive us all, and we have demonstrated that point by declining to stand as candidates on our parliamentary list,” she said.
The party released only the top ten National Assembly candidates on Sunday.
Kauandenge said they were still busy putting the final touches on the complete list.
Former Okakarara constituency councillor, Vetaruhe Kandorozu is topping the list, while Aminius constituency councillor Peter Kazongominja is second; Uaraa Uapingene, Mariana Christof, Olavi Haimbanga, Anna Ntonda, Kaitikirue Hiatjiua, Yvonne Shimantu, Vincent Kahua and Ester Kake.
Kauandenge said the full list of 96 names will be submitted to the ECN in due course.
The party will launch its manifesto on 12 October at Otjinene in the Omaheke region.
Last month, the splinter group elected a new NUDO leadership, with Barry Rukoro serving as president.
It’s unclear if the splinter group supports the current decisions.
