‘Party code won’t stifle critics’

THE code of conduct accepted by the Swapo Central Committee last weekend will not be used to victimise or silence outspoken members but to encourage critical thinking and robust debates in a mature and respectful manner, according to Secretary General Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana.

At a Monday press conference in Windhoek, she also suggested that the code of conduct would help prevent mudslinging and character assassination in the party.The code has its roots in the 2007 congress which called for more discipline among party members.’The code of conduct means that the disciplinary action taken against a specific member must be consistent and that the penalty imposed must be in line with the seriousness of transgression taking into account the mitigating factors,’ Ithana said.Swapo’s constitution covers suspension and expulsion of members and also empowers certain organs of the party to take disciplinary action against members, but the party did not have a clear-cut document outlining rules and procedures to be complied with by all members.Ithana said the code of conduct would help the party to mould members into principled individuals.’These rules and procedures basically constitute a contract between the party and its members,’ she said.She said open debate through protection given to members by the code of conduct would enhance the culture of democratic debate in the party and promote patriotism, morality, honesty and accountability.’The code of conduct will be a useful tool in discouraging racism, tribalism, factionalism, regionalism and other retrogressive tendencies, which are also prohibited by the Constitution of the Republic,’ she said.At the 2007 congress delegates said the resolution was prompted by ‘lack of discipline’ among some party members.It was part of 30 resolutions adopted.