Swapo’s extraordinary congress
reversal comes with ambiguity-analyst
Swapo’s extraordinary congress
reversal comes with ambiguity-analyst
Swapo’s extraordinary congress
reversal comes with ambiguity-analyst
Stefanus Nashama
Political analyst Sakaria Johannes has noted ambiguity in Swapo’s plans for its upcoming extraordinary congress and leadership transition.
This follows Swapo’s announcement on Thursday of a revised timeline for electing a new party president, reversing an earlier decision to hold the congress in April 2025.
The new date is set for 28 February to 2 March 2025.
“They understand that April is a long way off, and they do not want to swear in the president-elect before electing the party president. However, they will also need to elect the party vice president,” Johannes stated.
He also observed that Swapo’s decision to conclude these processes before March 21 aligns with the party’s aim to avoid internal conflicts.
“In Swapo culture, the president of the party must also be the president of the country. While a deeper analysis is needed, the primary reason for this might be to ensure that Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah becomes the party president before the inauguration,” Johannes explained.
According to Swapo spokesperson Hilma Nicanor, the party political bureau has been directed to begin the necessary preparations for the congress.
The party’s central committee made the decision during its ordinary meeting in Windhoek last week.
Nicanor said that the new president would serve out the remainder of Geingob’s term in office.
Since Geingob’s passing, Swapo vice president Nandi-Ndaitwah has been serving as acting president.
As the congress approaches, speculation has grown around the party’s leadership transition.
Sources close to the ruling party have indicated there is little expectation of competition for the two key positions in Swapo’s leadership.
According to an insider, Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to be endorsed as the party’s new president, while the vice president position will likely be claimed without contest.
“Nandi-Ndaitwah will be endorsed as party president, while another person will grab the vice president position without contestation,” the source stated.
The shift in leadership comes amid calls for clarity from party members and the public regarding Swapo’s future direction following Geingob’s leadership.
The decision to delay the congress until February has sparked internal disputes within the party. Prominent Swapo members, including Nahas Angula, Helmut Angula, Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, and Jerry Ekandjo, had previously called for the congress to be held within 90 days of Geingob’s death.
In addition, Swapo members Reinhold Shipwikineni, Joshua Vaino Martins, Petrus Ndeshipanda Shituula, Erich Chrismann Shivute, and Aina Kalimba Angula have filed legal action against the party, accusing it of delaying the congress and failing to meet its obligations.
Initially, Swapo cited financial constraints as the reason for postponing the extraordinary congress.
Despite these challenges, Nicanor reassured the public of Swapo’s commitment to its leadership and governance role.
“The central committee expressed its profound appreciation to the Namibian electorate for their continued confidence in the Swapo party and its leadership,” Nicanor remarked.
She assured Swapo is committed to implementing the promises outlined in its 2025-2030 election manifesto.
