Kauandenge tackles Nudo’s stagnant growth
Party stuck with two parly seats since 2009
Nudo SG Joseph Kauandenge believes the party relies too much on its elderly voters instead of attracting new voters into its fold.
National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) secretary general Joseph Kauandenge says the party’s failure to increase its seats in the National Assembly over the years is a clear sign that it is not growing.
The party has remained stuck with two seats in the National Assembly for three consecutive national elections.
Kauandenge says he is concerned over the party's future sustainability because it is failing to attract young voters, adding that its traditional elderly voters are primarily responsible for keeping the party in the National Assembly.
Nudo's elective convention is scheduled to take place in April 2024.
Leadership qualities
Those who have indicated their intention to contest for the party presidency include Kauandenge, sitting president Utjiua Muinjangue and the party’s former long-serving Okakarara constituency councillor, Vetaruhe Kandorozu.
“At this juncture, the party needs a leader who is well known and one who can draw support from all spheres of life, especially the youth bloc. I am that leader,” Kauandenge said during a telephonic interview earlier this week.
He added: “It is clear that there has been no growth in the party over the years; this must definitely change. I know I bring something different to the table and I can bring change; hence, the people want me to lead the party.”
Kauandenge believes he has the political acumen to increase the party’s stagnant support base by introducing modern political strategies that the youth can resonate with.
Asked why he did not introduce his plans during his tenure as secretary general, Kauandenge retorted: “As an SG, you are merely the administrator of the party, and you are there to implement the decisions of the executive committee.
“That is why I want to become the president, because I will be able to direct the ideological agenda of the party,” he said.
New direction
Kauandenge was one of the ardent campaigners for a Muinjangue presidency when she ascended to the throne in 2019.
At the time, he said she possessed the ideal characteristics to move the party forward. The two of them were subsequently deployed to represent the party in the National Assembly.
Kauandenge’s announcement last week that he would contest for the party’s top seat therefore came as a surprise to many of those who follow the party’s internal affairs closely, especially because Muinjangue earlier this year made it clear that she would run for a second term.
“I do not want to speak about other candidates, please. Whatever she did or did not do during her term is not my business. I am solely focused on running my own race instead of talking about others,” said Kauandenge when asked why he has seemingly withdrawn his allegiance to Muinjangue.
He added: “I have no issues with her and we had a good working relationship.”
The party has remained stuck with two seats in the National Assembly for three consecutive national elections.
Kauandenge says he is concerned over the party's future sustainability because it is failing to attract young voters, adding that its traditional elderly voters are primarily responsible for keeping the party in the National Assembly.
Nudo's elective convention is scheduled to take place in April 2024.
Leadership qualities
Those who have indicated their intention to contest for the party presidency include Kauandenge, sitting president Utjiua Muinjangue and the party’s former long-serving Okakarara constituency councillor, Vetaruhe Kandorozu.
“At this juncture, the party needs a leader who is well known and one who can draw support from all spheres of life, especially the youth bloc. I am that leader,” Kauandenge said during a telephonic interview earlier this week.
He added: “It is clear that there has been no growth in the party over the years; this must definitely change. I know I bring something different to the table and I can bring change; hence, the people want me to lead the party.”
Kauandenge believes he has the political acumen to increase the party’s stagnant support base by introducing modern political strategies that the youth can resonate with.
Asked why he did not introduce his plans during his tenure as secretary general, Kauandenge retorted: “As an SG, you are merely the administrator of the party, and you are there to implement the decisions of the executive committee.
“That is why I want to become the president, because I will be able to direct the ideological agenda of the party,” he said.
New direction
Kauandenge was one of the ardent campaigners for a Muinjangue presidency when she ascended to the throne in 2019.
At the time, he said she possessed the ideal characteristics to move the party forward. The two of them were subsequently deployed to represent the party in the National Assembly.
Kauandenge’s announcement last week that he would contest for the party’s top seat therefore came as a surprise to many of those who follow the party’s internal affairs closely, especially because Muinjangue earlier this year made it clear that she would run for a second term.
“I do not want to speak about other candidates, please. Whatever she did or did not do during her term is not my business. I am solely focused on running my own race instead of talking about others,” said Kauandenge when asked why he has seemingly withdrawn his allegiance to Muinjangue.
He added: “I have no issues with her and we had a good working relationship.”
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