Staff Reporter
THE former official opposition party, PDM, which in September was rocked by high-profile resignations, has been hit by further defections, with a number of its mid-level leaders opting either to stand as independent candidates or to be included in the candidate lists of rival parties or associations. The PDM reacted by expelling them all “with immediate effect.”
According to PDM Secretary General Manuel Ngaringombe, the six individuals who “have ceased to be PDM members” are:
- Richard Hoaeb, who is contesting as an independent candidate in the Walvis Bay Rural Constituency;
- Florence Uapakua Ndinda, standing as an independent candidate in the Okakarara Constituency;
- Erenst Muraranganda, who is on the SWANU candidate list contesting in the Otjiwarongo local authority; and
- Piet Mostert, who is on the candidate list of the Outjo Residents Association.
Dankeni Tjilongo, Hermina Khairabes, and Jenny Kandukira were also expelled for publicly supporting the Outjo Residents Association.
According to the PDM’s constitution, a member ceases to be a member if they stand for or accept nomination against an official candidate of the PDM in any public election.
Prominent PDM leaders who abandoned the party recently include Vakamuina Kamutuezu and former parliamentarians Yvette Araes and Esmeralda !Aebes.
PICTURED: PDM Secretary General Manuel Ngaringombe. Photo: Contributed
