Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa has suspended the creation of new sections and branches until after the regional and local authority elections slated for November.
The decision was shared in a letter to the party’s regional and district coordinators dated 21 May.
“No creation of sections and new branches should take place until after the regional and local authority elections. Prior authorisation should be obtained in writing from the office of the secretary general,” said Shaningwa.
Swapo Party Youth League secretary general Ephraim Nekongo has confirmed the letter’s authenticity.
Shaningwa said the suspension is to ensure smooth structural activities, and operations during the period of renewal of mandates and identification of candidates.
Political analyst Sakaria Johannes says the moves will help the party maintain focus, adding that Swapo appears to be prioritising campaign efforts over expanding its structures.
“I think they want to focus on campaigns rather than establishing new branches that will divide the focus of the party.”
Last weekend during a mini rally at Grootfontein, Swapo member and deputy prime minister Natangwe Ithete assured voters that the party will improve development and service delivery.
He criticised absent regional and district leaders.
“Any Swapo person telling others not to attend Swapo activities should not be regarded as a Swapo member.
Such people are sabotaging the party and indirectly expressing no support for the party’s president,” he said.
Former Grootfontein constituency councillor Nelao Amagulu will stand as Swapo’s candidate in the 17 June regional council by-elections.
Amagulu served as the constituency councillor from 2015 to 2020.
The by-election is due to a open vacancy following Elder Filipe’s elevation to parliament.
Swapo is currently renewing its mandates and identification of candidates for the November regional and local authority elections.
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