UPM rejects PDM’s withdrawal request

The United People’s Movement (UPM) has rejected the Popular Democratic Movement’s (PDM) request to withdraw its two members of parliament, Jan van Wyk and Frans Bertolini.

In a letter addressed to the speaker of the National Assembly, Peter Katjavivi, UPM acting secretary general Francis Huish on Tuesday accused the PDM of violating an agreement signed between the two parties in August 2019.

Huish claimed the memorandum of understanding was specific to the 2019 elections and did not extend to the upcoming 2024 elections.

He argued that the PDM’s request implies the UPM did not contribute to the success of the 2019 alliance, despite its support, campaigning, and mobilisation efforts.

Huish claimed his party’s right to operate independently, and accused the PDM of attempting to mislead the UPM during the alliance.

He said the UPM intends to take legal action against the PDM for allegedly breaching the signed agreement.

“It is against this background that the UPM requests that the office of the speaker ignore this misleading request,” Huish said.

He said the PDM “is in clear violation of the signed memorandum of understanding”.