Windhoek — President Pohamba at the Swapo Central Committee meeting held over the weekend applauded candidates contesting the top four positions in the Swapo Party for their clean campaigns and called on them to remain united.

Pohamba said he admired the political maturity of the candidates and the focus they have placed on the issues that matter to Namibians.

"They have shown that they are committed patriots who have the national interest at heart. We are proud that the Swapo Party continues to produce leaders of such high calibre," said Pohamba who is also the president of the ruling party.

"The spirit of unity that has characterised the election campaign so far must continue. We want to hear the message of unity being spread not only by the candidates who will participate in the elections, but also by all the comrades who are campaigning on behalf of the different candidates," Pohamba added.

He put emphasis on unity both before and after the congress, and called on all candidates to remain solidly united. Pohamba appealed to delegates and candidates to allow democratic values to prevail before, during and after the congress.

"For the sake of unity of our party, it is vital to ensure that those who are elected by the congress receive the support of all Swapo Party members after the elections. Even the unsuccessful candidates must support the leaders who are elected," said Pohamba.

He further called on Swapo Party members to remain focused on the imperative of improving the living conditions of all Namibians.

"It is for this reason that we hosted the Swapo Party National Policy Conference, which provided a platform for party members to frankly and openly discuss the policy positions that will enable us to implement policies aimed at building a more prosperous society."