Muinjangue fights for Nudo’s soul

National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) president Ester Muinjangue says she is still the party’s legimate leader.

This is despite the existence of a faction within the party linked to traditional leaders, headed by Tjizapouzeu Uahupirapi.

This group is demanding the appointment of an interim committee.

“An interim committee must be appointed to lead the party and organise the 2024 Nudo congress, including compiling the master list of congress delegates,” a petition drawn up by the group reads.

The deputy minister of health and social services has, however, issued a statement on Sunday saying the traditional leaders have no constitutional power to make that decision.

Nudo members toyi-toyi for elective congress

“Nudo’s governance structure as per the current constitution does not make any provision for traditional leaders to take decisions and\or preside over any party structure. “Neither does the party think tank have such a constitutional mandate. Article 18 speaks to traditional leaders serving in the national council of the party ex officio. They don’t have that mandate autonomously,” Muinjangue said.

She said the interim leadership is “unconstitutional”.

“The current leadership . . . is still legitimate to govern the affairs of Nudo, with all mandate to coordinate and remain answerable to all relevant authorities.

“The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) and parliament assigned party representatives, being the party chief whip Josef Kauandenge, secretary general and party authorised representative at the ECN,” Muinjangue said.

She said the party’s national executive committee (NEC) would convene at the end of the month to decide on a date for the congress.

“The party’s formal and official NEC meeting is scheduled for 31 August to decide on the party’s affairs in preparation of the country’s national and presidential elections, with specific reference to a parliamentary list,” the Nudo president said.

Uahupirapi yesterday claimed Muinjangue’s tenure ended in March.

“The mandate of the former Nudo leadership under Muinjangue ended on 3 March. After postponing the congress three times over six months it has become clear that there was no intention to hold it,” he said.

Uahupirapi said Muinjangue’s allegation that the leadership is unconstitutional does not permit her or the NEC to override national council decisions, such as congress postponements.

“Her leadership has set a concerning precedent of disregarding party laws, highlighting the need for a broad, inclusive discussion on resolving the current issues,” he said.

Nudo elective congress called off again

‘UTTER CONFUSION’

Political analyst Rui Tyitende says it is an understatement to claim that Nudo is in a state of utter political confusion and chaos.

“Factionalism, internal bickering and traditional politics infused with liberal politics will signal the inevitable collapse of a party that does not have an appeal beyond the Ovaherero-speaking community,” he says.

He says internal division is indirectly and inevitably telling thousands of undecided voters “do not vote for us as we are busy burning our house down”.

“It is quite normal for political parties to engage in constructive conflicts, but not to the extent of alienating current and potential voters from voting for your party.

“Again, voters will be asking what possible call to their support Nudo is making,” Tyitende says.