Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Former National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) secretary general, Josef Kauandenge, says Nudo’s constitution does not prevent him from forming another party while remaining a fully fledged Nudo member.
Kauandenge recently announced the formation of the Association for Localised Interests (ASOLI), where he serves as president.
Despite this, he stressed that he is still a Nudo member.
He represented Nudo in both the City of Windhoek local authority council and the national assembly.
“I still stand by the position that I’m still a Nudo member, although I have started an association. Perusing through the party constitution, I could not find any clause that prevents me from starting an association. If the party wants to expel me, so be it, but they first have to prove their case through an appropriate disciplinary process where the Audi Alteram Partem legal process will be guaranteed,” said Kauandenge.
Kauandenge told Windhoek Observer that while some ASOLI members may come from Nudo, the association appeals to all Namibians.
“If there are NUDO members who want to join us, I would not say no; it’s their democratic right as well,” he said.
Kauandenge aims to run for the Windhoek city council again, and he emphasised his commitment to serving the poor.
“There is nothing different I will do at the City of Windhoek should I be elected. I have always championed the plight of the poor and will continue to do so as I did when I was a councillor. I will continue to advocate for those who do not have a voice and will work to address the many socio-economic problems facing our people in the city of Windhoek,” he added.
He also mentioned the possibility of returning to parliament in the 2029 national elections.
“It’s too early to say under what ticket I would go back to parliament in 2029, but in my farewell speech in parliament, I said that in five years, I will go back to parliament, and I intend to keep that promise, as I think I still have a lot to contribute to mother Namibia,” Kauandenge said.
Nudo national executive council member Joseph Uapingene disagreed with Kauandenge’s stance, saying that even though the Nudo constitution is silent on dual membership, the party’s code of conduct is clear.
“The code of conduct is clear and speaks to that, but what he did is a conflict of interest. If he is saying he is going to contest the City of Windhoek local authority elections, which Nudo is also going to contest, isn’t that a conflict of interest?” Uapingene questioned.
Uapingene added that the party would meet in the coming days to discuss the matter and decide on the way forward.
