Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Swapo member Reinhold Shipwikineni has endorsed the leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), Panduleni Itula as the preferred presidential candidate in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
Shipwikineni’s endorsement was made public in a statement circulated on 10 November.
Shipwikineni cited dissatisfaction with Swapo’s internal procedures, highlighting that the party’s leadership did not hold an extraordinary congress to formally select a presidential candidate.
According to Shipwikineni, this decision conflicted with the party’s constitution.
“Swapo’s leadership violated the party’s constitution and rules by not holding an extraordinary congress to select the party president who shall represent Swapo in presidential elections,” Shipwikineni stated.
He also expressed concerns over alleged corruption within Swapo, pointing specifically to the “Fishrot” scandal, which he described as a source of suffering for many Namibian households.
Shipwikineni called for a shift away from what he termed a “dictatorial” approach within Swapo’s leadership.
“Swapo hired individuals involved in corruption scandals like Fishrot to become their election campaign managers,” he stated, adding that he believes this move shows complete disrespect toward the nation of Namibia.
Shipwikineni also touched on a range of national issues, including unemployment, the government’s approach to COVID-19 mandates, and delays in signing the anti-gay and transgender bill.
He urged Namibian voters to participate in the 2024 election, viewing it as a decisive moment for the nation.
“This Presidential and National Assembly election of 2024 is a choice to determine the future we want and that of the future generations,” Shipwikineni wrote.
Shipwikineni, a former Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) Erongo Regional Executive Committee member, clarified that despite his public endorsement of Itula, he remains a SWAPO member and intends to continue pursuing a legal case concerning the party’s internal matters.
IPC spokesperson Imms Nashinge confirmed the endorsement, saying he had seen it circulating online.
“As it should be, that is what every sensible Namibian wants to see. Change and democracy,” Nashinge said.
Court documents reveal that Shipwikineni filed a case challenging Swapo’s failure to hold an extraordinary congress to select its presidential candidate following the death of President Hage Geingob.
Shipwikineni and three other Swapo members filed the case in May 2024, alleging violations of Swapo’s constitution and procedures by the leadership.
The case was scheduled for hearing on 6 November but was postponed to 13 November 2024 to allow Shipwikineni and other applicants to secure new legal representation.
Richard Metcalfe, who was representing Swipwikineni at the time, withdrew from the case because of non-payment.