Swapo’s much-anticipated weekend of festivities kicked off in full swing, culminating in the commencement of the party’s electoral college, also known as the ‘pot’.
It is an event that holds the key to determining its parliamentary candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The weekend began with a high-profile fundraising gala dinner on Friday, where the who’s who in Namibia’s political, business,
and corporate worlds converged to pledge allegiance and financial support to Swapo as the party sought to oil its election campaign machinery.
The night saw the party amass more than N$16 million in pledges.
That amount excludes the N$1 million raised from auctioned items and other separate contributions from the top three leaders, setting a solid financial footing for the party’s election campaign.
Crucial CC
In what could be described as calm before the storm on Saturday, the momentum continued with a central committee meeting, where the party’s manifesto was officially approved, followed by the highly charged electoral college.
The mood was electric as party members, clad in Swapo regalia and singing liberation struggle songs, filled the venue.
There was a sense of camaraderie, with members greeting each other warmly with hugs and handshakes.
However, the tension was also inevitable, as some members were visibly anxious about securing a spot on the parliamentary list, while others lobbied for votes among their peers.
The ‘pot’ is a party indaba where close to 700 delegates elected 96 prospective parliamentarians, drawing from various party structures, including the central committee members (84), elected Swapo Members of Parliament (MPs), and representatives from the Swapo Party Women’s Council (10), Elders’ Council (6), Swapo Party Youth League (6), the National Union of Namibian Workers (6), and Former Plan Combatants’ Association (6).
No free ticket
Although candidates were eager to secure seats in the legislative chambers, they were reminded that their selection would not be a free ticket to the country’s highest decision-making body.
Vice President and Swapo presidential candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, urged prospective candidates to prove their capabilities, saying the road ahead would require dedication and hard work.
The message was clear: those chosen must be ready to serve with distinction and contribute meaningfully to the country’s governance.
“A legislative arm of our state is fundamental for making laws. Making laws demands cadres who are well-versed and fully understand how to make laws,” she said during the official opening of the “pot”.
She added: “Apart from making laws, they must also thoroughly understand the needs of the people.”
“They must also familiarise themselves with international issues, as Namibia is part of the Global Village. Similarly, in accordance with our national Constitution, cabinet ministers are drawn from parliament. This means some of the successful comrades must be able to serve as cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, lawmakers, as well as policymakers,” Nandi-Ndaitwah told her comrades.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, who now goes by the moniker NNN, emphasised the imperative for the electoral college to critically identify and elect those party cadres who will be able to represent the nation while carrying out their national responsibility as law and policy makers for the next five years.
These sentiments reverberated through President Nangolo Mbumba, who also spoke at the event.
“Namibians want more jobs; they want more business opportunities and housing. They want good health and education. They want to live in a crime-free society. In short, they want successful, prosperous, and happy lives,” said Mbumba.
Mbumba then reiterated the late President Hage Geingob’s words: “Play the ball and not the person”.
He said despite the outcome, they must remain comrades and not sworn enemies.
“Afterwards, we must all hold hands and unite against opposition parties, which are dreaming and attempting to attain the Swapo party’s position as the ruling party,” he noted.
No division
If anything was obvious in the leaders’ speeches throughout the weekend, it was their emphasis on preaching against division within the party.
The party has, in the past, suffered from internal conflicts, with the 2017 congress being a notable event that saw the formation of factions, namely Team Harambee and Team Swapo.
“Contestation must not divide us after it is over. We must remain united and spare our energy for the big battle where we will face our opponents on 27 November,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She urged candidates not to feel aggrieved or contemplate forming groups or factions within the party when an election outcome is not in their favour.
“Yes, we all want to win, but that is not possible. However, one thing we must be aware of is that being nominated to stand as candidates by the electoral college is a high political achievement to be celebrated, as it means you are recognised as one of the national leaders,” she added.
Manifesto
As the party also gets ready to launch its election manifesto this Saturday, Nandi-Ndaitwah said it will serve as the blueprint for their developmental framework for the next five years.
“Our manifesto will be the social contract between ourselves and the Namibian people as well as the basis on which we can be held accountable,” she said.
Intricacies
What is more, the “pot” results will be released today, according to party members.
As per the norm, among the 96 members, the top three leadership positions – vice president, secretary general, and deputy secretary general – are expected to head the nomination list.
As acting party president, Nandi-Ndaitwah will nominate 10 candidates, who will occupy positions numbers six, eight, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 on the nomination list.
Other aspects that will play a major role in the selection are such as gender equality, national character, intergenerational factors, and people in special categories without compromising skills and capabilities.