President exhorts Swapo faithful to back Pohamba

PRESIDENT Sam Nujoma has called on Swapo members to rally behind presidential candidate Hifikepunye Pohamba in next month’s elections, describing him as “a fearless freedom fighter”.

“He is a true patriot who spent his entire life fighting for the liberation of all Namibians,” Nujoma said in Windhoek on Saturday when he launched the party’s election manifesto. Introducing Pohamba as the party’s presidential candidate, the President said Pohamba had committed himself to the party’s ideal of “collective leadership” in fulfilling Swapo’s programmes.For his part, Pohamba thanked the party’s top structures for supporting his nomination, especially Nujoma for the “trust and confidence” placed in him.”Throughout the years you have all given me immense support.It would not have been possible for me to rise through the ranks and contribute to the aims and objectives of the party [without it],” said Pohamba.The party’s presidential candidate said should he come to power, he would focus on allocating resources to speed up programmes to improve the quality of life of Namibians.He singled out economic development, job creation and eliminating income disparities as his priorities.Pohamba said he would support regional integration, the aims of the African Union and strengthening ties with the country’s international partners.The party’s manifesto, which lists land redistribution, health, housing, education and job creation as the party’s main objectives for the next five years, was launched along with two other documents.The first, Democracy in Action, is a compilation of Nujoma’s speeches at the Swapo extraordinary congress and electoral convention.The second booklet, titled Vision, Life and Times of Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba, informs the electorate of Pohamba’s background and vision for the country.Introducing Pohamba as the party’s presidential candidate, the President said Pohamba had committed himself to the party’s ideal of “collective leadership” in fulfilling Swapo’s programmes.For his part, Pohamba thanked the party’s top structures for supporting his nomination, especially Nujoma for the “trust and confidence” placed in him.”Throughout the years you have all given me immense support.It would not have been possible for me to rise through the ranks and contribute to the aims and objectives of the party [without it],” said Pohamba.The party’s presidential candidate said should he come to power, he would focus on allocating resources to speed up programmes to improve the quality of life of Namibians.He singled out economic development, job creation and eliminating income disparities as his priorities.Pohamba said he would support regional integration, the aims of the African Union and strengthening ties with the country’s international partners.The party’s manifesto, which lists land redistribution, health, housing, education and job creation as the party’s main objectives for the next five years, was launched along with two other documents.The first, Democracy in Action, is a compilation of Nujoma’s speeches at the Swapo extraordinary congress and electoral convention.The second booklet, titled Vision, Life and Times of Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba, informs the electorate of Pohamba’s background and vision for the country.