Stefanus Nashama
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has urged the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) to ensure complete transparency in the upcoming presidential and national assembly elections.
In a statement on Wednesday, IPC spokesperson, Immanuel Nashinge emphasised the need for independent local and international observers to oversee the process, free from conflicts of interest.
“We demand that the ECN ensure complete transparency in all electoral preparations and processes. This includes allowing access to independent local and international observers with no conflicts of interest. We call on the Namibian government and Swapo to affirm their commitment to national sovereignty by preventing any external entities from influencing our electoral outcomes,” he stated.
According to Nashinge, the IPC has noted developments in the SADC region that have significant implications for democracy, good governance, and the integrity of electoral processes in Southern Africa.
Notable developments include Zimbabwe’s controversial elections in August 2023, Zimbabwe’s accession to SADC and leadership in the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC (ECF-SADC) from August to September 2024, ECF-SADC’s pre-election assessment in Namibia from September 16-20, 2024, and the high-level engagements between ZANU-PF and Swapo.
He said the IPC has since expressed concern over these developments, citing the impartiality of electoral oversight and regional influence on domestic affairs.
Nashinge stated that the endorsement of Namibia’s electoral readiness by ECF-SADC, led by an individual from a nation with disputed electoral practices, raises questions about the impartiality and credibility of the assessment.
“We call for independent and unbiased evaluations of our electoral processes to ensure fairness and transparency,” he reiterated.
He further said while regional cooperation is essential, the nature of the interactions between ZANU-PF and Swapo suggests a potential for undue influence on Namibia’s domestic political landscape.
“Any form of external interference that could compromise the integrity of our elections is unacceptable,” he mentioned.
Nashinge emphasised the IPC’s commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring that the will of the Namibian people is accurately reflected in our elections.
Similarly, he said the IPC urges all political parties to prioritise the nation’s interests over partisan alliances that may undermine these principles.
Nashinge emphasised the importance of engaging with civil society and seeking international support to ensure free and fair elections in Namibia.
“We appeal to SADC, the African Union, and the broader international community to support Namibia in conducting free, fair, and credible elections,” he explained.
According to him, such support should be based on respect for Namibia’s independence and the people’s desire for democracy.
ECN spokesperson, De Wet Siluka, on Wednesday, said the commission is prepared to conduct the November elections with transparency.
“The commission is ready to conduct free, fair and credible elections, come 27 November,” he said.
