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ONE of the Swapo leaders contesting for the position of deputy secretary general, Uahekua Herunga, says Swapo election rules such as those which prohibit candidates contesting for positions at the elective congress from campaigning in public, are restrictive.
The rules were made public on Wednesday at the launch of Swapo’s internal election campaign at the Swapo head office in Windhoek.
Speaking to The Namibian on Thursday, Herunga said although the rules are restrictive, they were formulated with good intentions as they will prevent candidates from campaigning against each other.
“The intentions are good but the rules are a bit restrictive. We have experienced people saying bad things about the party when they were campaigning,” he said.
Another candidate for the Swapo deputy secretary general position, Lucia Witbooi, said the rules are good and will bring party members and supporters together.
“I don’t see any tight restrictions in the rules. I chat with you to vote for me… some people created some WhatsApp groups that are open. Even the media can interview us, that is also open. So, you must know how to play the game,” she said.
Meanwhile, Swapo supporter Phil ya Nangoloh also described the rules as restrictive or draconian.
“New Swapo rules appear to be shielding certain candidates from scrutiny in connection with allegations of corruption,” he said.
Swapo secretary for legal affairs Albert Kawana last week said Swapo leaders contesting for vice presidential and secretary general positions are not allowed to character assassinate their opponents on social media.
“[Campaigning] through WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, press releases, interviews with radios, television and SMSes against other candidates or slander is prohibited, and such conduct violates the guidelines,” Kawana said.
Attempts by The Namibian to get comment from Kawana were unsuccessful on Thursday and Sunday.
The Namibian reported about a week ago that Swapo leaders aspiring to be elected to the party’s central committee at the upcoming Swapo elective congress had already started canvassing for votes on various WhatsApp groups.
Some of these leaders include the minister of finance, Iipumbu Shiimi, Tsumeb mayor Matheus Hangula, Windhoek Rural coordinator John Elago, Katutura Central district coordinator Michael Aihuki, and former Swapo secretary general Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana.
International relations minister and deputy prime minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and environment and tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta will contest for the vice presidency at the upcoming Swapo congress.
Incumbent Sophia Shaningwa and Oshikoto regional coordinator Armas Amukwiyu are gunning for the secretary general position.
Herunga will compete for the deputy secretary general position against Lucia Witbooi, Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele, and Kavango West regional coordinator David Hamutenya.
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