Ekandjo: Pohamba birthed Swapo's disregard for its constitution

Swapo veteran Jerry Ekandjo says the chronic disregard of the party’s constitution by its leaders originated with its former president Hifikepunye Pohamba when he ‘handed’ over power to his then deputy Hage Geingob in 2015, ignoring calls to follow prescribed procedures.On the eve of Swapo’s 55th-anniversary celebrations in Oshakati that year, Pohamba announced he was stepping down and transferring all powers to Geingob, despite constitutional provisions on succession. This decision reportedly ignored direct appeals from senior party leaders urging him to adhere to established succession rules.Ekandjo has been vocal about Swapo’s failure to convene an extraordinary congress within 90 days of Geingob’s passing in February 2024 to elect a new leader.Instead, the extraordinary congress is set for 7 to 9 March this year – 13 months after Geingob&#039;s death.The Swapo central committee recently endorsed vice-president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the sole candidate for the upcoming congress. Her supporters argue that this follows the precedent set in 2015. However, Ekandjo cautioned against using that episode as a justification, emphasising that the Swapo constitution was amended in 2022.Namibian Sun reported this week that Swapo has decided to keep the vice-president position vacant until the next ordinary congress in 2027. Ekandjo, however, argues that such a move is unconstitutional.Constitutional integrity"The strength of any institution lies in its constitution. If we keep bending the rules to accommodate immediate needs, we set a dangerous precedent. If today we extend a three-month deadline to a year, what stops future leaders from extending it to five years?" Ekandjo pointed out. He further criticised claims that filling the vice-presidency would cause disunity within the party. "Does that mean Swapo will no longer hold elections? Are we afraid of democracy?" he asked.Ekandjo also warned that Swapo’s failure to adhere to its own rules could impact the upcoming regional and local authority elections. "Internal elections are scheduled for August. Will that also cause disunity? Or do we plan to keep councillors unopposed for another five years for the sake of unity?"He stressed that Swapo’s 300 000-strong membership is largely opposed to the continued violation of the party’s constitution. "For 50 years, we have protected this constitution. Even during apartheid, we stood firm. It held us together. Leadership at all levels must uphold it."VP post ‘cannot be frozen’Ekandjo argued that the position of vice-president is linked to the presidency and must be filled within three months. While the Swapo constitution does not explicitly outline vice-presidential succession, he maintained: "Freezing the position is unconstitutional. There is no provision for such a move. People fought, died and were imprisoned to build Swapo, and we must protect it."He further linked the party’s declining support in elections to its disregard for internal democracy. "The constitution clearly states that when the president’s office becomes vacant, an extraordinary congress must be held within three months. During that period, the vice-president acts. If the VP cannot, the secretary-general steps in. If the SG cannot, the deputy secretary-general takes over. And if none are available, the politburo can appoint someone."He accused certain leaders of positioning themselves for future power grabs."If Nandi-Ndaitwah is endorsed as president and she travels abroad or is unwell, the SG will act as president. This arrangement will continue until 2027. Are people setting the stage so that by then, there is no VP and they declare the acting leader as Swapo’s president?"Defending internal democracyEkandjo dismissed accusations that his stance stems from personal ambition, arguing that his concern is rooted in safeguarding Swapo’s democratic traditions. "Self-criticism is vital. Some political commentators say we, the older generation, should retire. But whether we are 90 or 50, if the party is being mismanaged, we must speak out. The church does not silence old bishops or popes when they call out wrongdoing."He also refuted the argument that Geingob’s uninterrupted acting presidency after Pohamba’s resignation could serve as a precedent for Nandi-Ndaitwah. "Geingob was nominated and additional nominations were called for. That’s how Nahas Angula and I entered the race. Geingob won through elections, not an endorsement. In 2022, he was endorsed because there were no challengers. But you can only be endorsed for a position you already hold, not one you are assuming."Swapo spokesperson Hilma Nicanor declined to comment on whether Nandi-Ndaitwah’s endorsement means nominations will be barred at the extraordinary congress. "We are mourning [founding president Sam Nujoma]. I will not answer that question until after the burial," she said.- jemima@nmh-hub.com.na

Ekandjo: Pohamba birthed Swapo's disregard for its constitution

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

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Ekandjo: Pohamba birthed Swapo's disregard for its constitution

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

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