Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been appointed as SWAPO’s first female president during an extraordinary congress, following the late President Geingob’s death. The congress raised questions regarding the timing and the vacant vice president position, reflecting internal party divisions. The next ordinary congress in 2027 will see all leadership positions, including the presidency, open for election.
The South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), Namibia’s ruling party, has appointed Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its president-elect during the party’s sixth extraordinary congress, making her the first woman to lead the party in its 65-year history. The congress took place at the Windhoek Country Club Resort after the recent national general election.
Political analyst Rui Tyitende has remarked that the timing of the congress was influenced by the passing of former President Hage Geingob. He explained that as per party constitution, the extraordinary congress should have occurred within three months of Geingob’s death, but that did not happen, leading to criticism.
Tyitende indicated that the congress’s strategic timing coincides with Nandi-Ndaitwah’s upcoming cabinet appointments, where supporters of her candidacy expect some form of reward. However, he noted that the position of vice president remains vacant, highlighting internal party divisions regarding candidacy for that role.
The analyst emphasized that it would be politically unwise for anyone to challenge Nandi-Ndaitwah for the presidency, particularly as she will soon have significant appointment power. He confirmed that other leadership roles were unchanged during the congress, as it mainly served to endorse her instead of creating new positions.
With the vice president position unfilled, Tyitende stated that the Central Committee will meet to decide future actions, including the need for another extraordinary congress before 2027 to appoint someone. He suggested that avoiding competition for vice president may help maintain unity within the party, especially with upcoming elections. Furthermore, he noted that in the 2027 ordinary congress, all positions, including the presidency, would be up for election once Nandi-Ndaitwah’s interim term concludes.
In summary, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s appointment as president of SWAPO marks a significant milestone in the party’s history. The extraordinary congress was a response to the constitutional requirement following the late President Geingob’s death, though it left the vice presidency vacant, reflecting ongoing divisions within the party. Future leadership dynamics will be shaped by upcoming local elections and the ordinary congress set for 2027, where all positions will be contested.
Original Source: www.channelafrica.co.za
