2007-05-07Staff Report 2 "By Kuvee Kangueehi Keetmanshoop Yet another Swapo regional structure has passed a resolution that the current president of the party Sam Nujoma, as well as his deputy Hifikepunye Pohamba, be retained, ahead of the coming congress in November or December. The latest to announce its position is the Karas Region. With the Swapo Party congress virtually less than seven months away, momentum is building up. A week ago, Oshana Region took a similar resolution. Reports indicate that other regions, including Otjozondjupa and Oshikoto, have followed suit. However, this could not be confirmed by the time of going to press. The Swapo Party Regional Executive Committee in Karas Region confirmed at the weekend that a resolution that the current Swapo president Sam Nujoma retains his presidency, while Hifikepunye Pohamba should vie for the position of deputy president, was taken at a recent regional conference. The resolution by Karas and Oshana gives a hint as to what will be the voting pattern by delegates from these regions when it comes to choosing the president and vice-president of the party at the congress. The Swapo Party Regional Information and Mobilization officer in Karas, Hilma Nicanor, told New Era that the decision was taken at the regional conference held on April 22 at Keetmanshoop. This means the Karas Region may have been the first to make the move. She noted that at the conference a report concerning the activities of the party in the region was tabled, while a new executive was elected. Nicanor, who is the former Karas regional coordinator, said Willem Isak was elected new party coordinator. Nicanor noted that the regional conference took the resolution because Nujoma has proven to be a quality leader since the inception of the party. ""We find the leadership we desire in him and want to tap more from his wisdom."" Regarding the suggestion from some party members that Pohamba should take over the reins of the party, Nicanor said they did not compare Nujoma with Pohamba but felt that Pohamba should remain the vice-president. She added that regional structures are in place and does not foresee problems regarding delegates that should go to the congress. She said all six districts, namely Keetmanshoop Urban and Rural, Karasburg, LÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ''šÃ‚¼deritz, Oranjemund and Berseba attended the conference. The conference was also attended by Swapo Party Deputy Secretary General John Pandeni and Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Dr Abraham Iyambo, as national leaders." 2007-05-07Staff Report 2
