Windhoek — President Hifikepunye Pohamba has called on all newly elected members on the Swapo Party Central Committee to reinforce unity within the party and the country by building "on the strong history of the party as a mass-based movement and a political home for the majority of our people".

Pohamba, who is also the president of the ruling party said this yesterday at the opening of the first Swapo Party Central Committee meeting following the 5th congress. The Central Committee is the highest decision-making organ of the ruling party between the party congresses that take place every five years.

"The elections that we have been holding so far are internal Swapo Party elections. We should not forget that even more important elections, namely the Presidential and National Assembly [elections] are still ahead of us," Pohamba reminded Central Committee members.

The National Assembly and Presidential elections are due in late 2014. Pohamba informed members that for the elections in 2014 the party would need the backing of all members, supporters and sympathisers in order to form a government.

"Therefore, the Central Committee meeting is taking place at a very critical juncture as we face the upcoming elections," remarked Pohamba, adding that it would require the efforts of all members of the party to ensure that the Swapo Party remains on a strong footing.

Pohamba reminded them that Namibia has a history of holding free and fair, as well as democratic, elections. "We must therefore continue to build on that history and prove detractors wrong. What we want to see throughout the process prior to the elections, during the elections and after the elections is peaceful conduct by all," he said.

He urged members to conduct mobilisation work in a manner that is consistent with the party's dedication to democracy, peace and national reconciliation.

"They must be guided by our political programmes and plans of action. In so doing this will deliver a resounding victory for the Swapo Party in 2014," he said.