NEFF accepts deregistration by ‘corrupt syndicate’
Leader of the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) Epafras Mukwilongo says the party will not fight its deregistration by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) because it has lost faith in all state institutions, including the courts.
In an interview with Namibian Sun yesterday, Mukwilongo alleged that the deregistration of the party is linked to their fight for Namibian workers who were being exploited by their bosses – whom he said were funders of Swapo.
“I heard about the secret meetings [with] the funders of Swapo and others. At the time, we did not take it seriously, but it has all come to light now as they were looking for a way to deal with us because we were dealing with their funders,” he explained.
“The allegations are that we were scaring investors from coming to Namibia, but we all know that the investors they are referring to are specific Indians and the Chinese who have business interests in Namibia and [who] are exploiting our people.
“We have accepted the deregistration of our party because it will be pointless to fight the system. Even if we go to the courts, it’s still their people, hence we will let it be. You cannot fight the system,” he said. “As it stands, we will not be appearing on the ballot paper at the November elections. Even if we wanted to re-register the party, there is not enough time left before elections.”
Same beliefs
Following the deregistration of NEFF, its economic affairs commissar Michael Amushelelo has left the party.
When contacted for comment yesterday, he said he will pronounce himself on why he jumped ship. He added that the party’s deregistration had a significant impact on his decision to leave.
“I will be having a media briefing in the coming days or weeks where all the questions you have will be addressed,” Amushelelo said.
Asked whether he has received any requests from other political parties to join them, he admitted that he has, but hastened to add that he will make a decision to join a political party that's in line with his principles.
“For example, if I am against homosexuality, I cannot be part of a party that supports it, hence I will choose a political home that has the same beliefs as I have. That’s all I can say for now.”
Deregistration debacle
ECN accused the party of failing to lodge its audited financial statements for the period of 2022/2023 and failing to publish 2020/2021 and 2021/2022’s abridged versions of audited financial statements in two daily newspapers circulating throughout Namibia, as is required by law.
Following the deregistration, NEFF was told its lawmakers must vacate parliament. This means Mukwiilongo and his deputy Kalimbo Iipumbu had to vacate their seats.
The Christian Democratic Voice (CDV) was also deregistered and its sole member of parliament, Gotthard Kandume, has also been told to vacate his seat.
In an interview with Namibian Sun yesterday, Mukwilongo alleged that the deregistration of the party is linked to their fight for Namibian workers who were being exploited by their bosses – whom he said were funders of Swapo.
“I heard about the secret meetings [with] the funders of Swapo and others. At the time, we did not take it seriously, but it has all come to light now as they were looking for a way to deal with us because we were dealing with their funders,” he explained.
“The allegations are that we were scaring investors from coming to Namibia, but we all know that the investors they are referring to are specific Indians and the Chinese who have business interests in Namibia and [who] are exploiting our people.
“We have accepted the deregistration of our party because it will be pointless to fight the system. Even if we go to the courts, it’s still their people, hence we will let it be. You cannot fight the system,” he said. “As it stands, we will not be appearing on the ballot paper at the November elections. Even if we wanted to re-register the party, there is not enough time left before elections.”
Same beliefs
Following the deregistration of NEFF, its economic affairs commissar Michael Amushelelo has left the party.
When contacted for comment yesterday, he said he will pronounce himself on why he jumped ship. He added that the party’s deregistration had a significant impact on his decision to leave.
“I will be having a media briefing in the coming days or weeks where all the questions you have will be addressed,” Amushelelo said.
Asked whether he has received any requests from other political parties to join them, he admitted that he has, but hastened to add that he will make a decision to join a political party that's in line with his principles.
“For example, if I am against homosexuality, I cannot be part of a party that supports it, hence I will choose a political home that has the same beliefs as I have. That’s all I can say for now.”
Deregistration debacle
ECN accused the party of failing to lodge its audited financial statements for the period of 2022/2023 and failing to publish 2020/2021 and 2021/2022’s abridged versions of audited financial statements in two daily newspapers circulating throughout Namibia, as is required by law.
Following the deregistration, NEFF was told its lawmakers must vacate parliament. This means Mukwiilongo and his deputy Kalimbo Iipumbu had to vacate their seats.
The Christian Democratic Voice (CDV) was also deregistered and its sole member of parliament, Gotthard Kandume, has also been told to vacate his seat.
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