By: Kelvin Chiringa
In what has come out as a first for Namibia, Ester Muinjangue romped to victory in the Nudo elective congress held over the weekend to become the first ever female president of a political party.
Muinjangue scooped 240 votes ahead of her rival, Vetaruhe Kandorozu who trailed behind with 227 votes, making the win a very narrow one.
The vice-presidential race proved to be a tight contest as well with PK Kazongyminja emerging victorious at the back of 241 votes ahead of Jekura Kavari who garnered 231 votes.
Councillor Josef Kaundenge is now the party’s dully elected secretary general after bashing party big-wig Meundju Jahanika with 258 votes to 204.
Jahanika emerged the loser together with Lesly Kaunandara (221 votes) and Uaraa Uapingene (247).
Elia Kandjii is now the party’s national chairman after garnering 247 votes, beating Kapukatua with just a vote.
Jude Hangero (220) and Likius Kaare Mupia Opuuo (222) also emerged as losers in the race.
Meanwhile, Muinjangue and Kauandenge were both suspended by the party’s old guard last year in a fierce leadership fight that was sparked by a defunct congress that turned chaotic.
Muinjangue was tipped in a court battle with the party leadership as she fought to legitimize the congress results and claiming to be the new sheriff in town.
Her win comes at a time when the party’s now former president, Asser Mbai decried the lack of proper gender balance in the party’s leadership structures saying it was time they did something about it.
Muinjangue is a University of Namibia lecturer who has built her profile on a relentless fight against the government of Germany for restorative justice in the genocide issue.
She is also a cultural figure who has featured in documentaries presenting the Herero tribal wear.
