Venaani is not bigger than PDM: Ngaringombe

WINDHOEK, 19 JUL – The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) is not a one-man show and its leader, McHenry Venaani could be challenged for the position of president when the party holds its elective congress in September.
This is according to PDM’s Secretary-General (SG) Manuel Ngaringombe, who in a recent interview with Nampa said all leadership positions in the party will be up for grabs when the party holds its internal elections later this year.
He was responding to a question on whether Venaani will be challenged or whether PDM’s top position will go uncontested.

“Street democracy cannot be controlled by me. But within the movement, within the leadership, within the rank and file, Venaani is not bigger than PDM. Venaani is a member of PDM like any other member,” said Ngaringombe.
The SG maintained that any other party member has the right to compete for the position of president, or any other position.

“Venaani has equal rights like anyone in this party. If people find it fit to elect a new president, they will do that. It is their constitutional right to do that. If they want the current president to lead for the next five years, they will do the same,” he stated.

In terms of preparations for the congress, Ngaringombe said everything was going as planned.
At present, PDM is busy finalising the establishment of its branches, as well as constituency and regional committees, nationwide, he noted.
Once this process is finalised, the party will vet the about 350 delegates expected to attend the congress to decide its future for the next five years.

“Those processes will be done in line with the party’s constitution and we will be ready when the time comes for the congress.”
He also noted that PDM will approach its congress with caution and will not compromise its democratic principles.

“We will for sure have this congress on democratic principles. Congress will be directed by the constitution of the party,” Ngaringombe said, adding that the necessary machinery to guide and direct the congress were in place. – NAMPA