Martin Endjala
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) is set to procure materials such as printing, design, and delivery of ballot papers from 1 August to 2 November.
This is according to the ECN’s key electoral activities document, which was seen by the Windhoek Observer.
Authorised political parties and candidate representatives will conduct verifications and sign-offs of sample ballot papers from 21 October to 22 October.
The dispatch of sensitive and non-sensitive materials locally is set for 20 October to 20 November.
According to ECN spokesperson De Wet Siluka, the tender procurement process has yet to commence.
Political analyst Henning Melber explained that the printing of ballot papers remains a sensitive affair that requires responsible handling.
“It starts with the design of the paper, followed by the announcement and awarding of the tender. If procurement goes to a party-owned or associated company, competing parties might cry foul and complain,” he warned.
Melber said if the ballot paper is not delivered well ahead of time, it might cause logistical problems to be at all polling stations when they are expected to open on election day.
For these and other reasons, the political analyst said the electoral body needs to be cautious and take a responsible approach, both in terms of timing and the tender procedure.
He is of the opinion that an all-inclusive, transparent, and open process is the best way to avoid any suspicions and misgivings.
Meanwhile, the South West Africa National Union (SWANU) president, Evalistus Kaaronda, said there should be legal provisions regulating these processes.
“If all is done in terms of established legislation and set customs, then I don’t see there being a problem,” said Kaaronda.
