THE Landless People’s Movement (LPM) has nominated Kalan Goliath to fill the vacant seat left by former Keetmanshoop mayor Melody Swartbooi.
The party informed Keetmanshoop Municipality former acting chief executive Deseree Boois about its decision in a letter dated 10 June seen by The Namibian.
“This letter equally confirms to your office that leader Goliath is part of the formally approved LPM list of nominees for the Keetmanshoop Local Authority Council as per the relevant Government Gazette,” the letter reads.
Swartbooi was recalled by the party in June following disputes.
Goliath was scheduled to be sworn into office on 12 June, but the process was administratively delayed by the change in leadership at the municipality.
Goliath yesterday confirmed to The Namibian that the party had formally nominated him, but said the appointment is awaiting the completion of statutory procedures.
“My nomination by the party is confirmed, but I cannot say how far the process is. As I understand it, the matter is now between the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) and the minister,” he said.
Goliath said his appointment must first be gazetted before the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development formally notifies the municipality, after which he can be sworn in as a councillor.
“I know the municipality had already communicated with the minister’s office before the acting chief executive was replaced, and the matter was also communicated to the ECN. Beyond that, I cannot confirm where the process stands,” he said.
Goliath said he remains confident that the nomination process was properly followed.
“I was on the approved party list that was submitted last year. At this stage, what is outstanding is the formal communication and the swearing-in,” he said.
