KEETMANSHOOP – //Kharas governor Aletha Frederick last week called on Swapo delegates to embrace the principle of intra-party democracy when the region hosted the party’s internal campaign event.
Candidates for the vice president, secretary general and deputy secretary general as well as central committee positions have been criss-crossing the country in the last two months to drum up support for the party’s seventh elective congress, slated for the end of November.
Swapo decided to organise one campaign event per region, where all candidates meet regional delegates in the same place and promote their manifesto.
The governor explained that this system allows delegates to participate in decision-making and deliberations within the party structures.
“It is about time that we appreciate the internal party democratic processes that we have adopted as a party, and understand that the democratic process will always produce a result of winners and losers,” the governor emphasised during the meeting.
She added that it is imperative for supporters to approach democratic elections within the party with an emotionally balanced mindset, and be prepared for all the possibilities that exist.
“Also keep in mind that the individual choices you made might not be supported by the majority, with the possibility that any of the candidates will lose or win,” she said.
Frederick furthermore urged the candidates to be ready to accept the verdict as expressed in the wishes of the comrades and the Namibian people at large.
“This approach nurtures members’ political competencies and will enable us to produce and present more capable representatives, who in turn will ensure that the party produces better policies and political programmes”, she noted.
The regional political head also reminded the respective candidates that they are now entrusted as capable cadres with the necessary credentials to take the government to the next level.
“We are confident that they can deliver and will implement the Swapo Party manifesto, in conjunction with all supporting government developmental instruments and frameworks that are aimed at addressing the well-being of the citizens of this country,” she continued.
The governor also appealed to the delegates to remain open-minded and allow themselves to digest the presentations made by the candidates, in the process making choices on the characters and intellectual capabilities of the respective candidates.
“Let us not make our choice on self-interest and mere political career ambitions, but rather on how it will serve the best interests of the people,” Frederick said.
International relations minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Prime Minister Saara-Kuukongelwa Amadhila and Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta are competing for the party’s vice president position.