Allexer Namundjebo
The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) has emulated the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) in filing legal action to gain access to election materials following the recently concluded elections.
The IPC submitted a court application on Monday, requesting permission to inspect the contents of electoral materials related to the elections.
While the IPC has announced alliances with various political entities such as the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), the Body of Christ, the Republican Party (RP), and the Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) to challenge the election outcome, the court documents indicate that IPC is the sole applicant in its case.
Similarly, the LPM has filed an urgent application with the High Court, seeking authorization to inspect the election materials.
In its application, the LPM named Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) Chairperson Elsie Nghikembua as the first respondent, Chief Electoral Officer Peter Shaama as the second respondent, President Nangolo Mbumba as the third respondent, and Attorney General Festus Mbandeka as the fourth respondent.
“The applicant seeks permission to open or inspect the contents of the electoral materials pertaining to the 2024 National Assembly elections for each polling station from 13 to 27 November 2024, between 07:00 – 21:00, and/or finalisation of counting the votes cast on these days,” the application reads.
The application reads that, in respect of both 13 and 27 November, the applicant seeks to inspect each polling station’s total number of votes cast, total number of spoiled ballots, total number of tendered votes, and total number of votes counted.
Alternatively, the applicant seeks direction from the court for the first and second respondents to produce to the applicant such electoral materials pertaining to the recently concluded elections.
Various political parties have rejected the announced results, and several have vowed to challenge the election’s outcome.
The National Democratic leader, Martin Lukato, said his party will wait for the election results to determine the way forward.
The Affirmative Repositioning has also termed the elections as not free and fair, accusing the Zimbabwean ruling party, Zanu-PF, of interfering in the election processes.
Affirmative Repositioning was the only opposition party that attended the results announcement and has also vowed to solely challenge the electoral processes in court.
The IPC is represented by Conradie Incorporated Legal Practitioners, while the LPM is represented by Dr Weder, Kauta & Hoveka INC.
