Ekandjo calls freezing of Swapo vice president post unconstitutional

By: Josia Shigwedha

Swapo stalwart Jerry Ekandjo has criticised the Swapo central committee’s decision to freeze the party’s vice president position until 2027 as unconstitutional.

The Swapo Party central committee endorsed vice-president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the sole presidential candidate in the forthcoming extraordinary congress on Thursday.

Ekandjo, who has been a Swapo member for 50 years and Central Committee member for over 20 years, emphasised the importance of upholding democracy within the party, stressing that all positions should be contested.

“So, the freezing of the vice president position is totally, totally violation of the extreme… violation of the constitution. Elections should be held. Rule 12 of the Swapo party rule and procedures states that no position shall be filled by automatic promotion, acclamation, or confirmation unless only one candidate is nominated for the post,” said Ekandjo. He explained that if a nomination is made, a counter-nomination should be called, which was not the case in this case.

Ekandjo urged delegates from all 14 regions attending the upcoming extraordinary congress to adhere to the party’s constitution, rules, and regulations.

“So therefore, my message to the delegates coming to the congress, is that they should adhere to the  (Swapo) constitution and the (Swapo) rules and procedures,” stated Ekandjo. He added that the 101 central committee members who came up with the idea of endorsement are violating the party’s constitution.

Ekandjo said the Swapo Party would never be the same without the late founding father, Sam Nujoma, who always abided by the Constitution.

He added that a second Nujoma will never be born, and no one can fill his shoes.