In agreement with Helmuth Angula
Professor Joseph Diescho
Bonn, Germany
Let us speak with patriotism in defence of our Republic. The Republic of Namibia as such is in place largely due to the sacrifices of many men, women and children who, under the aegis of the liberation movement Swapo, dared to dream and act upon their dreams with unparalleled courage and hope for a better future for all. In this context, Swapo and the party’s gallant record deserve not only praise but patriotic protection.
It is against this background that duty calls upon us to agree with Tate Helmut Kangulohi Angula that the nomination of Swapo vice-presidential candidates who did not qualify in accordance with the so-called Helmut amendments is unconstitutional.
The Helmut amendments were considered and approved by a duly constituted Swapo congress and, as such, became the binding principles or the law of Swapo.
Neither the politburo nor the central committee has the jurisdiction to rescind or overturn a decision of congress.
Only congress has the power to revisit and/or change its ruling. The central committee is a structure that can deliberate on operational issues and can make recommendations for consideration by the next congress, but it cannot usurp the power and responsibility of congress over matters that were decided by congress.
In the event that circumstances changed or necessitated a rescission of a decision of congress, the party ought to have convened an extraordinary congress for the purpose of rescinding its decision made in the last congress.
In sum, the central committee had no power to change the rules governing one of the tenets of democracy, namely the fair, transparent and rules-based process of electing those who are tasked with the fortuitous responsibility to govern. It is way too dangerous to make and change rules to fit or for individuals’ convenience. Laws and rules that are fit for purpose, and that can stand the test of time ought to be blind. Swapo erred dangerously!
• Professor Joseph Diescho
Bonn, Germany
Bonn, Germany
Let us speak with patriotism in defence of our Republic. The Republic of Namibia as such is in place largely due to the sacrifices of many men, women and children who, under the aegis of the liberation movement Swapo, dared to dream and act upon their dreams with unparalleled courage and hope for a better future for all. In this context, Swapo and the party’s gallant record deserve not only praise but patriotic protection.
It is against this background that duty calls upon us to agree with Tate Helmut Kangulohi Angula that the nomination of Swapo vice-presidential candidates who did not qualify in accordance with the so-called Helmut amendments is unconstitutional.
The Helmut amendments were considered and approved by a duly constituted Swapo congress and, as such, became the binding principles or the law of Swapo.
Neither the politburo nor the central committee has the jurisdiction to rescind or overturn a decision of congress.
Only congress has the power to revisit and/or change its ruling. The central committee is a structure that can deliberate on operational issues and can make recommendations for consideration by the next congress, but it cannot usurp the power and responsibility of congress over matters that were decided by congress.
In the event that circumstances changed or necessitated a rescission of a decision of congress, the party ought to have convened an extraordinary congress for the purpose of rescinding its decision made in the last congress.
In sum, the central committee had no power to change the rules governing one of the tenets of democracy, namely the fair, transparent and rules-based process of electing those who are tasked with the fortuitous responsibility to govern. It is way too dangerous to make and change rules to fit or for individuals’ convenience. Laws and rules that are fit for purpose, and that can stand the test of time ought to be blind. Swapo erred dangerously!
• Professor Joseph Diescho
Bonn, Germany
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