FORMER National Council member and councillor for the Kabbe South Constituency in the Zambezi region, John Likando, was today sworn in as a member of Namibia’s eighth National Assembly.
Chief justice Peter Shivute presided over the swearing-in.
Likando’s appointment comes after the resignation of Lucia Witbooi, who was recently appointed vice president.
Witbooi secured her National Assembly seat after ranking 43rd on the Swapo’s National Assembly list.
Likando is number 52 on the ruling party’s list.
His appointment comes despite reports that suggested some party members wanted Swapo Party Youth League deputy secretary Christine Haindaka – who is 53rd on the list – to be appointed as per Swapo’s ‘zebra’ policy to ensure gender balance.
The rule suggests that Witbooi should be replaced by a woman and not a man.
Likando’s supporters argued that he is legitimately next in line to replace Witbooi as per the rules.
With Likando now a member of the National Assembly, a by-election must take place within 90 days to fill the constituency council post he vacated.
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