Jump to navigation

Vol 44 No 21

Published 24th October 2003


Namibia

Presidential stakes

In the race to succeed Sam Nujoma, Foreign Affairs Minister Hidipo Hamutenya is far out in front

Contenders for the presidency are stepping up their campaigns following the announcement that the governing South West Africa People's Organisation will hold an extraordinary party congress in May. President Sam Nujoma is expected to stay as party leader until 2007 but will make way for a new presidential candidate to fight the elections due by the end of 2004. Barring a political earthquake, whoever gets the party's nomination will be Namibia's next president. The leading contender to be SWAPO's flagbearer is 64 year old Foreign Minister Hidipo Hamutenya (AC Vol 44 No 6). Hamutenya is an astute tactician from the Kwanyama, the largest sub-group of the country's largest ethnic group, the northern Oshivambo. His supporters dominate politics, holding key positions in the party's women's and youth organisations, and in parastatals and trades unions.

End of preview - This article contains approximately 1078 words.

End of preview

Subscribers: Log in now to read the complete article.

Account Holders: Log in now and use your Account Credit to buy this article. No Credit? Top up your Account now.


If you are logged in, but still cannot access the full text of this article, email customer services or telephone us on +44(0)1638 743633.