Nudo copies Swapo template for filling top party posts

THE National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) may be ideologically poles apart from Swapo.

But last week’s selection of Nudo office-bearers at its congress near Aminuis bore parallels to the ruling party Central Committee elections two years ago. Just like his Swapo counterpart, Nudo President Kuaima Riruako reserved the party’s three top positions for candidates of his own choice – only for the congress to rubber-stamp his wish.This left some observers describing Riruako’s move as reminiscent of the one by President Sam Nujoma, during the Swapo congress in August 2002, when he manoeuvred Hifikepunye Pohamba, Ngarikutuke Tjiriange and John Pandeni into the positions of Vice President, Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General respectively.One observer, speaking anonymously, asked: “Is this becoming a new trend whereby party presidents put themselves above the congress which is supposed to be the highest decision-making organ of any political party?If this situation continues … what does it mean for democracy within our political parties?”But, in an interview with The Namibian, Riruako strongly defended his tactics and said that he had consulted all party functionaries and none had a proposal with his proposals.”I have a vision for this party (Nudo), hence it is very important to have people at the top who I think will be able to articulate and carry the vision forward,” he declared.Riruako’s personal selection of Nudo’s three senior office-holders had Otjombinde Chief Tumbee Tjombe named as Vice President, while outspoken former DTA youth leader Joseph Kauandenge scooped the powerful portfolio of Secretary General.Nudo appointed Adolphus Kangootui to the post of Information and Publicity.Usiel Tjijenda will deputise for Kauandenge; and Meundju Jahanika for Kangootui.Other members of the Nudo National Bureau, its equivalent of a politburo, who were elected at the congress are: * Secretary for Organisation and Mobilisation: Meundju Ngaruka Deputy: Ripanga Meroro * Secretary for Education: Okeri Uakurama Deputy: Attie Riruako * Secretary for Culture: Chief Usiel Kambirongo Deputy: David Kavari * Secretary for Agriculture, Land and Resettlement: Raphael Uhongora * Secretary for External Affairs: Usiel Nguarambuka * Secretary for Health and Social Services: Leva Mundjidjiri * Secretary for Finance: Ewald Kanguatjivi * Secretary for Legal Affairs: Sam Kauapirura * Secretary for Transport: Kanjoo MbapupuaThe leaders of the party’s wings were elected in an acting capacity, pending their own congresses soon.Abia Uhongora will be the Acting Secretary General of the Youth League and Teleku Kanguvi will lead the Women Council in the interim, while the Elders Council is to be headed by Kurindjambi Katjatenja.The portfolios of Labour, Economic Affairs, Defence and Security, as well as Regional and Local Government were not filled.According to Riruako, they had been reserved for candidates from other regions not represented at the congress.Among the its resolutions, the congress has mandated the party leadership to look critically at the present structure of Government and its representation across the country.”We want to initiate dialogue with Government to address the imbalances in the allocation and distribution of the nation’s resources and wealth,” Riruako, a strong advocate of federalism, said.Nudo, which recently ended over two decades of affiliation to the DTA and gained registration as a party in its own right, has announced it will contest the forthcoming by-election in the Grootfontein constituency.”This by-election will serve as a real test for Nudo’s future, we are optimistic that we will do very well,” new Secretary General Kauandege said, vowing that Nudo would be a force to reckon with in the country’s political landscape.The Grootfontein by-election, following the departure of former councillor Grace Uushona to become Namibia’s Ambassador to Cuba, is slated for February 12.The deadline for registration of candidates is today.Just like his Swapo counterpart, Nudo President Kuaima Riruako reserved the party’s three top positions for candidates of his own choice – only for the congress to rubber-stamp his wish. This left some observers describing Riruako’s move as reminiscent of the one by President Sam Nujoma, during the Swapo congress in August 2002, when he manoeuvred Hifikepunye Pohamba, Ngarikutuke Tjiriange and John Pandeni into the positions of Vice President, Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General respectively. One observer, speaking anonymously, asked: “Is this becoming a new trend whereby party presidents put themselves above the congress which is supposed to be the highest decision-making organ of any political party? If this situation continues … what does it mean for democracy within our political parties?” But, in an interview with The Namibian, Riruako strongly defended his tactics and said that he had consulted all party functionaries and none had a proposal with his proposals. “I have a vision for this party (Nudo), hence it is very important to have people at the top who I think will be able to articulate and carry the vision forward,” he declared. Riruako’s personal selection of Nudo’s three senior office-holders had Otjombinde Chief Tumbee Tjombe named as Vice President, while outspoken former DTA youth leader Joseph Kauandenge scooped the powerful portfolio of Secretary General. Nudo appointed Adolphus Kangootui to the post of Information and Publicity. Usiel Tjijenda will deputise for Kauandenge; and Meundju Jahanika for Kangootui. Other members of the Nudo National Bureau, its equivalent of a politburo, who were elected at the congress are: * Secretary for Organisation and Mobilisation: Meundju Ngaruka Deputy: Ripanga Meroro * Secretary for Education: Okeri Uakurama Deputy: Attie Riruako * Secretary for Culture: Chief Usiel Kambirongo Deputy: David Kavari * Secretary for Agriculture, Land and Resettlement: Raphael Uhongora * Secretary for External Affairs: Usiel Nguarambuka * Secretary for Health and Social Services: Leva Mundjidjiri * Secretary for Finance: Ewald Kanguatjivi * Secretary for Legal Affairs: Sam Kauapirura * Secretary for Transport: Kanjoo Mbapupua The leaders of the party’s wings were elected in an acting capacity, pending their own congresses soon. Abia Uhongora will be the Acting Secretary General of the Youth League and Teleku Kanguvi will lead the Women Council in the interim, while the Elders Council is to be headed by Kurindjambi Katjatenja. The portfolios of Labour, Economic Affairs, Defence and Security, as well as Regional and Local Government were not filled. According to Riruako, they had been reserved for candidates from other regions not represented at the congress. Among the its resolutions, the congress has mandated the party leadership to look critically at the present structure of Government and its representation across the country. “We want to initiate dialogue with Government to address the imbalances in the allocation and distribution of the nation’s resources and wealth,” Riruako, a strong advocate of federalism, said. Nudo, which recently ended over two decades of affiliation to the DTA and gained registration as a party in its own right, has announced it will contest the forthcoming by-election in the Grootfontein constituency. “This by-election will serve as a real test for Nudo’s future, we are optimistic that we will do very well,” new Secretary General Kauandege said, vowing that Nudo would be a force to reckon with in the country’s political landscape. The Grootfontein by-election, following the departure of former councillor Grace Uushona to become Namibia’s Ambassador to Cuba, is slated for February 12. The deadline for registration of candidates is today.