Lucia Sibanga
Established under Namibia’s Electoral Act of 1992, the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) holds the exclusive authority to direct, supervise, manage, and control elections and referenda fairly and impartially. Yet, as the dust settles on the 2024 National Assembly and Presidential elections, these very principles have been called into question. The chaos and logistical failures experienced during this year’s elections have shaken public confidence leaving many asking: who takes responsibility?
The ECN’s core values accountability, professionalism and integrity were overshadowed by a series of irregularities that disrupted the electoral process. Ballot paper shortages, polling stations opening late, and malfunctioning electronic tablets meant voters endured queues of up to 13 hours under the relentless summer sun. The public eager to exercise their democratic right were met with frustration, exhaustion, and a sense of betrayal.
This is not the first time logistical failures have plagued elections in Namibia. One might ask, was it poor planning, negligence, or a lack of accountability? Either way the ECN had the responsibility and ample experience to foresee and mitigate these challenges. Instead, these failures forced the unprecedented extension of voting beyond the constitutionally mandated single day, turning November 27 into an extended process lasting until November 30.
This extension greenlit by the President as per the ECN request came without adequate explanation further fuelling public discontent. How transparent was this decision? How “free and fair” can elections be when both the opposition and citizens collectively see it as questionable?
The situation becomes even messier when examining the allocation of polling stations. For instance, Opuwo Rural Constituency in the northern region had up to 13 polling stations, while the Khomas region had just one, and the Erongo region had none at all. This difference raises serious concerns about equal access to voting and feeds conspiracy theories questioning the criteria behind such decisions.
President Nangolo Mbumba publicly stated that the ECN was not to blame for the delays, ballot shortages, and other glitches. If not the ECN, then who? As per the Electoral Act 5 of 2014, the ECN is explicitly tasked with managing the electoral process. Accountability must start at the top.
Namibia prides itself on peace and stability, but how much longer can this be taken for granted? The frustration and dissatisfaction voiced by the public could tarnish Namibia’s standing on the Global Peace Index. Other nations might have erupted in violence over such perceived electoral mismanagement. Are we truly at peace, or are we simply too used to being overlooked?
As the dust settles, Namibia faces an important question: will this election be a turning point for reforms, or will it remain a reminder of unfulfilled promises?
*Lucia Sibanga is a political science graduate from the UNAM. you can reach her at lsibanga00@gmail.com
