Windhoek — The Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) and the Republican Party (RP) are to merge and form a single political party.

Under the motto "Together we do better", Steve Bezuidenhout, Vice-President of the RDP, said, the two parties would now jointly hold campaigns and challenge the ruling party during the upcoming regional council and local authority elections.

The RDP President, Hidipo Hamutenya, and RP President, Henk Mudge, yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding in that regard.

Bezuidenhout read a communiqué saying the unification would start with immediate effect and will be guided by the constitutions of the two parties.

He told a small gathering of mainly supporters from both parties that in an effort to unify the nation that is deeply divided, the new-look RDP would formulate strategies that are compatible with the development and growth of the nation into a great and successful people at peace with themselves and the world.

The RP will eventually phase out its activities, as an independent political organisation, and in doing so will be directed by the provisions of the RDP constitution, the Electoral Act of Namibia, and other relevant laws including the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia.

In the interim, Bezuidenhout said, the two parties agreed to operate as a unified organisation with regard to the upcoming elections.

"The process will be overseen by a joint steering committee led by both presidents and senior party leaders."

The interim integration committee that will be responsible for the planning and execution of the integration process will facilitate everything.

Bezuidenhout said once the unification process is complete, all assets and liabilities of the RP shall become assets and liabilities of the RDP.

"In the initial stage, the parties have agreed that their public representatives will hold joint caucuses in the legislature and that they will share a common parliamentary secretariat."

He said both parties would jointly contribute towards the cost of such arrangements. Mudge, in his statement, said the time has come for a new government to take over.

Hamutenya on his part said the SWAPO Party has been in power for 20 years, but has done nothing on its promises.

He said the RDP wants to unify all the sectors and create a bright future and a just Namibia for all.

"We are making a first step today to open a new chapter for progress and true reconciliation."

He said the country is in a state of stagnation.

Hamutenya said his party has no interest in nepotism or autocracy, but wants to work together with citizens.

"Our intentions will be put into practise over the next three months."