Muinjangue quits Nudo presidential race

National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) secretary general Joseph Kauandenge on Tuesday confirmed that the party’s current president, Esther Muinjangue, has withdrawn from the party’s presidential race.

“I can confirm that she has withdrawn from the party’s presidential race, however, we will have a press conference on Wednesday at 10h30,” Kauandenge said.

Nudo was scheduled to hold its elective congress last weekend, but due to incomplete internal processes, it had to postponed to mid-July.

The party has admitted to lacking sufficient funds to address internal matters, postponing its congress to 12 and 13 July.

Speaking to The Namibian on Monday, Aminuis constituency councillor and Nudo vice president Peter Kazongomuinja confirmed that the party was unable to complete an internal branch restructuring process due to a lack of funds.

“The main issue that caused the slow pace of branch restructuring is funding,” he said.

Kazongomuinja said Nudo relies on government funding, which the party receives on a quarterly basis.

“This funding goes to administration, and a portion of it should go to the branches,” he said.

Kazongomuinja said the restructuring process commenced around the middle of last year, and at least 80% of the party’s 197 branches should be restructured for the congress to be legitimate.

“We are waiting for more money from the government, and then we can restructure more branches,” he said.

He said the process is expected to be concluded by the end of May.

Kazongomuinja denied infighting within Nudo.

“People are going for positions, but there is no infighting, because the party structures are functioning and operating as usual,” he said.

“Whoever wants to go for whatever position may do so.”