IPC members still weeping over party MP selections
Discontent is brewing within the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), as frustrated party members accuse party president Dr Panduleni Itula of manipulating the selection process for the 20 members of parliament set to be sworn in today.
Some members, speaking anonymously to Namibian Sun, claim the party’s constitution was disregarded in favour of selective appointments.
“We are angry. The divisions in the party are getting wider, and the leadership refuses to listen to us,” one member said this week.
Party leaders are accused of sidelining certain regions that were supposed to be considered for parliamentary representation. According to the IPC constitution, seats were to be allocated based on votes secured at the party’s internal conference, drawing candidates from eight regional lists.
However, some members now allege this process was a “white lie".
“For example, the //Kharas Region’s first candidate was placed at number 52 on the list, while Otjozondjupa started at number 50,” a member claimed.
Article 11, subsection 11.12 of the IPC constitution states: “Having due regard to gender, minority representation and constitutional provisions, each region shall elect eight members to the party’s parliamentary list. Based on the percentage of votes cast, members shall be drawn in descending order. Any remaining seats shall be allocated by lottery among the regions.”
Despite this, members argue that regions like Zambezi – whose votes were allegedly insufficient for a seat – received four spots in parliament, while other qualifying regions were left out.
Oshana, they claim, also received more seats than warranted, while Hardap was denied representation altogether.
“Zambezi has four people on the list, while some regions got none. This is not what was promised,” the member said.
Alleged irregularities
Adding to the frustration, members allege that Itula personally nominated 10 candidates, even though the constitution states that no more than eight may be appointed.
Furthermore, no details on individual vote counts were allegedly provided before the final list was announced.
“Before the announcement, members were asked if they had any concerns, but suddenly, the national general secretary just read out the 96 names. No one knows how many votes each candidate got, how many ballots were spoiled, or who failed to make the cut,” an insider revealed.
Allegations also surfaced that the top 20 candidates include spouses of party officials, as well as individuals who have been IPC members for less than a year – despite the constitution requiring at least two years of membership.
In August last year, members raised concerns about ineligible candidates participating, but they were assured a vetting process would address the issue. However, there are claims that those candidates were never removed and were allowed to contest alongside long-standing members.
Itula responds
When contacted for comment, Itula directed Namibian Sun and the aggrieved members to the IPC and Namibian constitutions.
“Candidate selection precedes the electoral process, and Article 11.12 is subordinate to Section 77(3) and Schedule 4(4) of the Namibian Electoral Act, as well as Articles 1, 2, and 17 of the Namibian Constitution,” he said.
He further questioned whether the complainants had voluntarily participated in the selection process at all levels – branch, constituency, regional and national.
Some members, speaking anonymously to Namibian Sun, claim the party’s constitution was disregarded in favour of selective appointments.
“We are angry. The divisions in the party are getting wider, and the leadership refuses to listen to us,” one member said this week.
Party leaders are accused of sidelining certain regions that were supposed to be considered for parliamentary representation. According to the IPC constitution, seats were to be allocated based on votes secured at the party’s internal conference, drawing candidates from eight regional lists.
However, some members now allege this process was a “white lie".
“For example, the //Kharas Region’s first candidate was placed at number 52 on the list, while Otjozondjupa started at number 50,” a member claimed.
Article 11, subsection 11.12 of the IPC constitution states: “Having due regard to gender, minority representation and constitutional provisions, each region shall elect eight members to the party’s parliamentary list. Based on the percentage of votes cast, members shall be drawn in descending order. Any remaining seats shall be allocated by lottery among the regions.”
Despite this, members argue that regions like Zambezi – whose votes were allegedly insufficient for a seat – received four spots in parliament, while other qualifying regions were left out.
Oshana, they claim, also received more seats than warranted, while Hardap was denied representation altogether.
“Zambezi has four people on the list, while some regions got none. This is not what was promised,” the member said.
Alleged irregularities
Adding to the frustration, members allege that Itula personally nominated 10 candidates, even though the constitution states that no more than eight may be appointed.
Furthermore, no details on individual vote counts were allegedly provided before the final list was announced.
“Before the announcement, members were asked if they had any concerns, but suddenly, the national general secretary just read out the 96 names. No one knows how many votes each candidate got, how many ballots were spoiled, or who failed to make the cut,” an insider revealed.
Allegations also surfaced that the top 20 candidates include spouses of party officials, as well as individuals who have been IPC members for less than a year – despite the constitution requiring at least two years of membership.
In August last year, members raised concerns about ineligible candidates participating, but they were assured a vetting process would address the issue. However, there are claims that those candidates were never removed and were allowed to contest alongside long-standing members.
Itula responds
When contacted for comment, Itula directed Namibian Sun and the aggrieved members to the IPC and Namibian constitutions.
“Candidate selection precedes the electoral process, and Article 11.12 is subordinate to Section 77(3) and Schedule 4(4) of the Namibian Electoral Act, as well as Articles 1, 2, and 17 of the Namibian Constitution,” he said.
He further questioned whether the complainants had voluntarily participated in the selection process at all levels – branch, constituency, regional and national.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article