John Likando will head to parliament soon. He currently serves as the Swapo regional councilor for the Kabbe South constituency in Zambezi. His move comes directly after President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah picked Lucia Witbooi as vice president last Saturday. Before her promotion, Witbooi held the 43rd spot on Swapo's National Assembly candidate list.
Witbooi must give up her parliament seat as she steps into her role as vice president. She becomes only the second woman to hold this position since Namibia gained independence. The empty parliament seat passes automatically to the next candidate on the ruling party's list, Likando, who sits next in line for any Swapo vacancy.
The Kabbe South area must hold a special election within three months to replace Likando. His term would have lasted until November, just ahead of the regular regional elections planned for later this year. Looking further down Swapo's candidate list, Christine Haindaka waits at position number 53.
Haindaka currently works as deputy secretary of the Swapo Party Youth League. She would move up next if another parliament position becomes available. This organized system ensures that Swapo always has qualified candidates ready when leadership changes happen. The party maintains its strong presence in the National Assembly through this structured approach to filling empty seats.
Witbooi must give up her parliament seat as she steps into her role as vice president. She becomes only the second woman to hold this position since Namibia gained independence. The empty parliament seat passes automatically to the next candidate on the ruling party's list, Likando, who sits next in line for any Swapo vacancy.
The Kabbe South area must hold a special election within three months to replace Likando. His term would have lasted until November, just ahead of the regular regional elections planned for later this year. Looking further down Swapo's candidate list, Christine Haindaka waits at position number 53.
Haindaka currently works as deputy secretary of the Swapo Party Youth League. She would move up next if another parliament position becomes available. This organized system ensures that Swapo always has qualified candidates ready when leadership changes happen. The party maintains its strong presence in the National Assembly through this structured approach to filling empty seats.
