Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The British High Commission in Windhoek has confirmed that Panduleni Itula, leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and a presidential candidate in the 2024 Namibian general elections, is not and has never been a British citizen.
This confirmation comes amid ongoing speculation regarding Itula’s citizenship status, a topic that has sparked public debate and raised questions about his eligibility to contest for Namibia’s highest office.
“Dr. Panduleni Itula is not and has never been a British citizen,” said Lwimba Mufune, the communications and political officer at the high commission.
According to UK government guidelines on citizenship, individuals may apply for British citizenship through naturalisation or marriage to a British citizen.
Under the UK’s Immigration and Nationality Act, a foreign national married to a British citizen can apply for citizenship after three years of residence in the UK.
This route can lead to the granting of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows an individual to live and work in the UK indefinitely.
The clarification aligns with statements made by Itula on multiple occasions, where he has publicly denied holding British citizenship.
Despite these assertions, segments of the Namibian public have continued to express doubts, with some alleging that his long residence in the UK and marriage to a British citizen might have resulted in dual citizenship.
Itula was sent to the UK in 1981 by Swapo to study.
During his time there, he married a British citizen and attained advanced qualifications, including a master’s degree in medical science in oral surgery.
While these aspects of his personal history have sparked speculation, Itula has consistently dismissed allegations of holding dual citizenship.
When the Windhoek Observer reached out to Itula for clarification on his citizenship status, he declined to respond, stating that he does not engage with intermediaries and dismissing the inquiry as “unprofessional and silly.”
This is the second time that Itula is participating in the presidential elections.
He stood as the country’s first independent presidential candidate in 2019.
The Namibian Constitution requires presidential candidates to be Namibian citizens by birth or descent.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) thoroughly vets all candidates to ensure compliance with these constitutional requirements before approving their nominations.
Political analyst Kamwanyah emphasised the constitutional requirements for presidential candidates and expressed doubt about the validity of the allegations.
“The Namibian Constitution is clear that a presidential candidate must be a Namibian citizen by birth. ECN would not have approved Panduleni Itula’s candidacy without verifying this requirement,” he said.
Kamwanyah further urged the media and public to handle such issues responsibly and avoid spreading misinformation.
“Marrying a British citizen does not automatically grant British citizenship, so the claim seems baseless unless solid evidence is provided,” he said.
Political analyst Marius Kudumo emphasised the legal aspects of the Namibian Constitution.
Kudumo pointed to Article 28(3) of the Constitution, which outlines the qualifications for election to the Office of the President.
He noted that Article 4 of the Constitution governs the acquisition and loss of Namibian citizenship.
“If there is an established fact of dual citizenship and Namibian laws do not allow it, then any aggrieved person should seek redress in terms of Article 18 of the Constitution, “Kudumo explained.
Kudumo also cautioned against creating baseless stories without evidence.
“We should not create bizarre stories unless evidence is provided, as this limits contestations and damages the image of potential candidates and the body entrusted with administering elections in Namibia, he said.
