The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) says it will apply stringent vetting when seeking a new candidate for the Swakopmund Constituency Councillor to avoid a repeat of past events.

A memo issued to party members on Thursday, and seen by Nampa, follows issues with the alleged residence of its former member and Swakopmund Constituency Councillor candidate and councillor Ciske Howard-Smith, who was reportedly a resident of the Walvis Bay constituency and not the jurisdiction which she was elected to lead.

These among other reasons led to the expulsion and removal of Howard-Smith from the party and subsequently, her position as Swakopmund constituency councillor.

“IPC profoundly regrets that public funds have to be used to comply with the Rule of Law, in instituting a by-election in the constituency of Swakopmund. However the public, we have no doubt, will appreciably understand that IPC, in the best interest of the public and citizens of Swakopmund, shall not condone breaches of the law by any of its representatives, nor compromise our complete adherence law,” the communication stated.

Additionally, the party noted that it will field a candidate, selected solely by the grassroots members of the Swakopmund Constituency IPC branch.

The communication follows the announcement by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) on the commencement of by-elections in the Swakopmund Constituency in August, which are precedent by voters’ supplementary registration from 06-08 June.

The party also encouraged all eligible citizens of the Swakopmund Constituency to ensure that they are registered to vote.

In a media statement issued Thursday, Howard-Smith stated that she only learned of her removal through the media, but thanked the IPC and residents of Swakopmund and the Erongo Region for having afforded her the opportunity to serve.

“Although my 19-month tenure with the Erongo Regional Council was challenging, together with the other councillors we managed to execute our constitutional and statutory mandate by amongst others, bring much needed development to our region and prosperity to our constituents through many motions and implementations at the Council,” she noted.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency