Allexer Namundjembo
Internal divisions, communication gaps and inefficiencies have weakened the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe said.
He made the remarks at a press conference in Windhoek on Tuesday after a three-day leadership indaba held in Otjiwarongo.
“We used the Indaba as a moment of reflection, honesty and strategic repositioning,” Ngaringombe said.
He stated that the meeting represented a pivotal moment for the party, during which leaders directly addressed internal challenges.
“A strong opposition must first be united and disciplined,” he said.
PDM experienced a massive resignation of its members, especially those in leadership positions.
Ngaringombe said the party will implement reforms under its rebuild, redirect and expand strategy. The plan focuses on strengthening internal structures and improving coordination across leadership levels.
The indaba brought together senior leaders, members of parliament and councillors. Discussions focused on unity and improving the party’s role as an opposition.
“We are not victims of these challenges; we are responding to them,” he said.
The reform process follows a difficult election period. The party lost support in recent polls.
PDM president McHenry Venaani has said opposition politics in Namibia tends to shift over time.
He pointed to changes in voter behaviour and the rise of new political groups.
Under Venaani, it served as the official opposition from 2015 to 2025. It secured 16 seats in the National Assembly during the 2019 elections.
After the November 2024 elections, its seats dropped to five.
The party lost its position as official opposition to the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) in March 2025.
The party has said the current reforms aim to rebuild its structure and strengthen its position going forward.
