WINDHOEK- The race for the Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) presidency has hotted up, with Heikko Lucks joining Kandy Nehova and Jeremiah Nambinga who were endorsed last week Sunday for the contest to replace the retired Hidipo Hamutenya.
Hamutenya wanted to make a U-turn on his retirement on grounds he was arm-twisted by a cabal of RDP members to retire against his will but the RDP’s leadership would have none of that and insisted he retired on own volition without being coerced.
Lucks, who was not nominated at an extraordinary national executive meeting held in Windhoek, showed interest last week Thursday a few days after the meeting stating he was approached by a number of RDP party members, supporters and sympathizers to make himself available for election at the extraordinary national convention slated for May 2015.
“My decision to stand comes at a time of unprecedented challenges for the RDP. The 2014 National Assembly elections have been disastrous for the party and we face financial challenges and disunity among party members, especially the youth,” Lucks stated last week.
“It was for that reason I approached the founding president of the party and decided to stand for election.
“I also laid out my reasons for wanting to stand and what I believe to be the most pressing challenges that need to be addressed. Further, I put forward some of the solutions to these challenges and strategies that I would put in place if elected, and I am pleased to announce that Hamutenya has given me his blessing and endorsement to stand for election and assured me of his full support,” elaborated Lucks.
He said he has tabled strategic plans he hoped would reinforce the party’s battered image, such as reestablishing strong party structures in all 14 regions, strategies to ensure that future election outcomes are not questioned, and making the RDP a partner in government by offering positive alternatives rather than being in constant opposition.
“These are plans for which I have already received strong support from the RDP national executive to generate the financial resources necessary for the future success of the party, and some will be made public at a later stage,” he stated. RDP lately has been entangled in internal fights pertaining to succession – a situation brought about by its dismal showing in last year’s national polls.
Because of that, at the extraordinary national executive meeting the party announced 14 requirements Hamutenya’s successor should have – such as being a unifier, a good communicator, fearless and having the skills to generate revenue for the party as the party has been failing to source funds to sustain its political operations in recent years.
When contacted for comment the RDP acting president Steve Bezuidenhoudt said those who wished to join the race to succeed Hamutenya have until May 24 to submit their names.
“As per constitution of our party anyone in the party meeting the outlined requirements is welcome to participate – the constitution says it all,” stated Bezuidenhoudt before hanging up.