UDF elective congress next weekend

The United Democratic Front (UDF) will hold its elective congress at Otjiwarongo on 20 January.

The last UDF elective congress took place in 2013.

UDF vice president Dudu Murorua addressed the delay in hosting the congress in an interview with The Namibian yesterday, saying it was long overdue.

Initially scheduled for November 2023, the congress was unexpectedly cancelled without any explanation.

Murorua attributed the delay in hosting the congress to constitutional amendments and the endorsement of the changes by a central committee.

“We cannot go for 10 years and more into eternity without having a congress,” he said.

As one of four candidates running for the presidency in the upcoming congress, Murorua emphasised his commitment to nurturing the growth of the youth and women politicians.

He expressed a vision to empower these groups to play active roles in shaping the political future of Namibia.

“I have been serving together with the establishment of the party which makes me one of the best aspirants that can help the party to lead it further into the Namibian, as well as global, politics that is currently going on,” he said.

Party insiders say financial constraints have been a significant factor contributing to the delay in convening the congress.

Despite attempts to reach out, UDF secretary general Elijah Gawaseb did not respond to phone calls or WhatsApp messages.

Other contenders for the party president position include incumbent president Apius Auchab, Hendrik Gaobaeb (Sesfontein constituency councillor and Kunene regional council chairperson) and Christian !Nanuseb (Omaruru deputy mayor).

UDF wing league acting secretary general Michael Skini, together with Tina Harases, are contesting for the vice presidency position.

Harases is the first woman to challenge a top position in the male dominated party.

“I want to make a change to give courage to other women in the party and to be the voice of the grassroots and educate people about politics,” she said.

Expressing her desire to bring about positive change and be a voice for grassroots members, Harases outlined her commitment to serving for five years if elected and emphasised the importance of grooming new leaders.

She said she chose the vice presidency position because there is still a need for experienced people to lead the party.

Harases, currently an executive member of the party and chairperson of the women’s league, also holds the position of secretariat of equality and welfare in the politburo.

Simson Ochurub, Daniel Tsaneb and Hage Gawaseb are contesting for the secretary general position.