Allexer Namundjembo
Swapo says it is not in a hurry to fill the National Assembly seat left by its late member James Uerikua.
The party said it is still in mourning. Swapo party spokesperson Hilma Nicanor told the Windhoek Observer this week that it would be inappropriate to prioritise succession discussions at this stage, adding that the focus remains on honouring Uerikua.
“I feel this isn’t a matter of urgency, and as such it would be advisable that you give the Party that chance to mourn and give a befitting send-off to our departed comrade. Let’s wait for the appropriate time,” she said.
Her remarks follow growing speculation about who will replace Uerikua in the National Assembly.
Uerikua died in a car crash last Friday.
According to the party list submitted to the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), former international relations minister Peya Mushelenga is next in line to take up the seat.
Mushelenga also previously served as a minister of urban and rural development and a minister of information and communication technology.
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said the legal process for filling such vacancies is clear.
“Legally, the process is clear: when a National Assembly seat becomes vacant, the next person on the party list takes over. This is usually done as soon as possible to ensure full representation,” Kamwanyah said.
He said it is reasonable for the party to take time to mourn but added that the process should not be delayed for too long.
Kamwanyah said a delay may not immediately affect parliamentary work, but prolonged inaction could affect representation and participation.
Another political analyst, Sackaria Johannes, said Uerikua’s absence will be felt in Parliament.
“It will definitely affect their performance in Parliament, in general, and particularly; this was one of the eloquent people in Parliament,” Johannes said.
He said the impact would be limited due to Swapo’s numbers in Parliament.
“It will not affect their performance to a huge extent because Swapo has many members of Parliament compared to other parties, though not a two-thirds majority party,” he said.
Johannes noted that some parliamentary functions might experience short-term disruptions.
“For example, voting and other functions will be negatively affected,” he said, adding that the mourning period is limited.
“Swapo is only mourning for a specific (limited) time, not according to how they want as a party but according to the rules and regulations of Parliament regarding this matter,” he said.
Questions sent to National Assembly spokesperson Sacky Kadhikwa were not answered.
The Windhoek Observer sought to confirm whether Parliament has received communication from Swapo on the replacement process.
