Windhoek — President Hifikepunye Pohamba has reiterated his faith in the leadership qualities of the incumbent Swapo Party Vice- President Dr Hage Geingob, as his preferred candidate among the three contenders for that position.

"I have worked with the [current] vice-president as my vice-president during the term of office since his election five years ago. I have not seen anything wrong with him. I would be happy if he continues as vice-president," Pohamba responded to a question on whether he has a preferred candidate for the VP position.

President Pohamba said he does not see anything that could prevent the current VP to stand for re-election, being re-elected and consequently taking over the reins of the party and eventually as the Head of State when his term ends in two years' time.

The national broadcaster, NBC, interviewed the Head of State and broadcast the recorded interview yesterday afternoon. Throughout the interview, Pohamba appealed for unity and for the spirit of democracy to prevail during the elective congress, asking delegates to the Swapo Party congress to rally behind, and to show support for, those who will receive the majority votes.

"I want to see party members keeping unity, rallying behind somebody who has been elected by the majority," he said, adding that unity along with the democratic spirit has always been a part of the identity of the ruling party.

The ruling party will hold its decisive congress from November 29 to December 02 in Windhoek with over 600 delegates from all 13 regions of the country to be in attendance.

The most influential and coveted positions in the party hierarchy that are in contention are the vice-presidency, which pits the incumbent Geingob against rivals Secretary General Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana and the Secretary for Information and Publicity Jerry Ekandjo. The other influential position is that of the secretary general, which is being contested by Foreign Affairs Minister Utoni Nujoma and the current Deputy Secretary General Nangolo Mbumba, who is also the Minister of Safety and Security.

Omaheke Regional Governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua and the Minister of Education Dr Abraham Iyambo will contest the position of deputy secretary general of the ruling party.

Pohamba also asked the delegates to the congress to keep unity and work together during and after the congress, in the true spirit of the Swapo Party. "This is what I want to see," he said.