SWANU

South West African National Union
President Usutuaije Maamberua
Founder Fanuel Kozonguizi
Founded 27 September 1959
Ideology Democratic socialism
Political position Centre-left
Colors Red, Blue, Yellow and Green
                   
Seats in the National Assembly
1 / 72
Party flag
Website
Website of SWANU
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The South West Africa National Union (SWANU) is the oldest political party in Namibia, formed in 1959. Most of its members came from the Herero people, while fellow independence movement SWAPO was mostly an Ovambo party. The party's President is Usutuaije Maamberua.[1]

The first President of SWANU was Fanuel Kozonguizi, who led from its formation in 1959 until 1966. Rihupisa Justus Kandando was the President prior to Maamberua.[2]

For 1999 elections it formed a "Socialist Alliance" with the Workers' Revolutionary Party and got 0.35% of the vote.

In the 2004 elections it finished last with 3,610 votes and 0.44% of the vote.[3]

Policies

SWANU continues to be a radical Socialist and Nationalist party.[4][5]

In January 2009, SWANU condemned Israel for their actions during the 2008–2009 Israel–Gaza conflict. Calling for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal from the Palestinian territories, the party called for the severing of Namibian trade and diplomatic relations with Israel.[6]

On the issue of land reform, SWANU advocated for state intervention to bring about reform more quickly. It also criticised the Ministry of Lands and Resettlement for allegedly resettling politicians on land acquired for redistribution instead of the "poorest of the poor". It also called for greater political will for land reform.[7]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Swanu Appeal For Socialism The Namibian 12 December 2008
  2. ↑ Rihupisa Kandando at Namibia Institute for Democracy
  3. ↑ Elections in Namibia
  4. ↑
  5. ↑ The Namibian – The 1999 Elections
  6. ↑ Swanu, NMDC condemn Gaza incursion The Namibian, 6 January 2009
  7. ↑ Govt should regulate land prices The Namibian 16 March 2009
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