Former Home Affairs Minister, Pendukeni Ivula-Ithana, has called on delegates to the Swapo party elective Congress not to be guided by their pockets and instead vote for issues during the Congress.

Ivula-Ithana made the call in an interview with Nampa on Thursday, ahead of the Swapo Party elective congress to commence in Windhoek on Friday, saying: “If we decide on voting candidates because we have received the brown envelop, then we are selling out the community whom we are representing.”

She said delegates should look at issues, not at personality, adding that their interest does not play a role at all, but the interest of the nation which matters most.

She urged delegates to vote for peace, unity and for a bright livelihood for all the Namibian people.

“Vote for a leader who will be able to lead not only the Swapo party but the Namibian nation as a whole. A leader who will be able to attract non-Swapo party members and able to revive our economy,” she advised.

On his part, Former Swapo Member of Parliament Helmut Angula urged the candidates to be cautious of the issue of honesty and the value of the party.

“Bear in mind to elect a representative who will reflect the national desire for a united Namibia. Do not go and vote for friendship neither for your brotherhood,” he said, urging them to vote for the interest of the policy of nation-building, wealth creation and the tranquillity of the country,” he said.

Swapo party veteran Dr Libertina Amadhila told the delegates: “Make us proud and follow the rules.”

Work hard and honestly, Amadhila advised, urging them to vote for the right candidate for the Swapo party and for the Namibian nation at large.

The 2022 Swapo congress will elect a new party leadership which includes the vice president of the party who will be the country’s presidential candidate for the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is the current Vice President of the Swapo party, Prime Minister Sara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, and Minister of Environment Pohamba Shhifeta are vying for the Vice president’s post.

While the incumbent party’s secretary general Sophia Shaningwa and Oshikoto regional coordinator, Armas Amukwiyu, will lock horns for the party secretary general post.

Former deputy environment minister, Uahekua Herunga, Kavango West Regional Coordinator, David Hamutenya and Evelyn Nawases-Taayele, will contest for the deputy secretary general post.

So far, Minister of Defence, Frans Kapofi and Lucia Witbooi, have pulled out from contesting for the Vice President and the deputy secretary general positions respectively.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency