Mallex Shipanga
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) is facing criticism for its lack of communication with the public following the recent elections.
The commission has called on the nation to report any irregularities around the election and the ongoing ballot counting, but there does seem to be an avenue to direct such issues.
Calls to the ECN’s office at contact number +264 61 376 200 frequently go unanswered.
Questions sent to the ECN’s spokesperson Dewet Silika also remain unanswered.
The Windhoek Observer wanted to know if the ECN has a hotline number where the public can direct its complaints or report irregularities.
In stark contrast to the ECN, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) encourages public engagement.
The IEC invites South Africans to reach out via their helpline during business hours or to make use of their online contact form.
There has also been a communication breakdown between the ECN and political parties on Thursday.
During a media briefing on Saturday, the ECN’s chief executive officer, Peter Shaama, could not confirm when last the commission had engaged the political parties.
