RDP adopts 'slate' politics

Slate politics have been adopted in the run-up to the Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) national convention, where a new party leadership will be elected. It has emerged that vice-president candidate Eino Heelu is the only one not on a slate. The RDP's third ordinary national convention is scheduled for 18 to 21 April. Heelu, a school principal who is currently a national executive committee member and the party's secretary of education and training, said three slates have coalesced around presidential candidates, Miriam Hamutenya, Mike Kavekotora and Kandy Nehova. Under Hamutenya's slate Heiko Lucks is the vice-president candidate, while Walter Ndakondja and Sibuku Malumbano are the secretary-general and deputy SG candidates, respectively. Kavekotora's slate consists of Kennedy Shekupakela as vice-president candidate, while Brünhilde Cornelius is the SG candidate and Agnes Limbo is running for the deputy SG post. Nehova's slate at this stage does not include a vice-president candidate, while Hidipohamba Sheuyange is the SG candidate and Phyllicia Hercules is running for deputy SG. “I was nominated by the party members who also seconded me before I was endorsed by the central committee to contest for the vice-president post. I do not belong to any slate because I do not believe in slate politics,” said Heelu. “I do not want to be wheelchaired into a position by any of my comrades, but those who nominated me believe in my personal character and also in my political history.” Kavekotora confirmed to Namibian Sun that the top four party posts will be contested on the basis of slate politics. “I have a team of fellow comrades, Shekupakela for vice-president, Cornelius for secretary-general and Limbo for deputy secretary general, whom I will be contesting with,” said Kavekotora. Nehova and Hamutenya could not be reached for comment. RDP secretary of information and publicity Nghiningiluandubo Kashume would not confirm nor deny the candidate formations, saying the central committee had not mandated him to talk about slates.“On 16 February we had a central committee meeting and it deliberated on the preparations for the third ordinary national convention. The central committee asked among its members who are prepared for positions at various levels of the top structure. They were nominated and endorsed by the meeting,” said Kashume. “The delegates to the national convention will be informed about the nominees of the central committee at every level of the top structure. After they are informed they will be given a chance if feel they want to nominate anyone from the floor.” Kashume said if there are no nominations the central committee nominations will be upheld, but if there are additional nominations, they will be made before the actual elections. “Regarding to your question about the slates, I have no idea because I am speaking on behalf of the central committee and not on behalf of any slates. The central committee nominated people not based on slates, but based on knowledge, skills and their ability to lead the organisation to higher heights,” Kashume said.He said 622 delegates are expected be in Windhoek on the 18 to 21 April to elect the new RDP top leadership. They will be comprised of three members from each of the 121 party districts, 10 members from each of the 14 regions, 74 members of the central committee, 20 delegates from the youth wing and 25 from the women's wing.ILENI NANDJATO

RDP adopts 'slate' politics

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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RDP adopts 'slate' politics

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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