Katima Mulilo – A former trade unionist Richard Limbindo has added his voice to the growing chorus of condemnation of the way the Swapo branch election was conducted recently at Choi in Kongola district.
Choi is located some 120 kilometres west of Katima Mulilo, which is the provoncial capital of the Zambezi Region.
The election, marred by allegations of irregularities, was meant to restructure Swapo branches in Kongola district.
However, the election left some delegates dumbfounded, as they were apparently compelled to vote for their candidates by showing their hands while their eyes were closed during the counting process.
Many delegates felt the process could easily have been rigged as the person who tallied the results – Kongola Constituency Councillor David Muluti –was the only person who had his eyes open.
Many delegates are believed to have only bemoaned the process after dispersing for fear of reprisals from Muluti, who is said to have chaired and presided over the election instead of Kongola district coordinator Boniface Subulwa.
Last week re-elected branch chairperson Molina Muatuli maintained the election was free and fair and that delegates themselves had chosen to vote that way but some sources that formed part of the meeting vehemently denied these claims.
Limbindo, one of the delegates, also refuted claims the election was free and fair noting that the opinion of the re-elected chairperson does not count as she was also one of the contenders.
“I oppose in the strongest terms claims the election was free and fair. The chairperson was not even supposed to pronounce herself on the matter as she was one of the candidates and she got re-elected.
“As a concerned member of Swapo, I have taken the issue to comrade Linus Mafale, the Swapo coordinator and he said he called comrade Subulwa to go and rectify their mistake,” stated Limbindo who previously served on the Namibian Public Workers’ Union (Napwu).
This reporter could however not independently establish whether the latter instruction was given by Swapo regional coordinator Mafale as attempts to reach him proved futile.
Limbindo further said it was disappointing the district Swapo leadership could grossly disrespect the Swapo constitution which clearly states that an election should be conducted by secret ballot.
He further reacted to claims that those opposing the election were latecomers in Swapo saying serious misconduct should not be condoned to advance selfish interests.
“I have been a member of Swapo for many years, since before independence. I was part of the workers’ struggle that mobilised the masses to join the liberation struggle. It is serious misconduct to agree to a system that violates the Swapo Party constitution,” countered Limbindo.
by George Sanzila