Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Election observer missions from Southern Africa, African Union and civic organisations that oversaw the presidential and National Assembly elections have criticised operational failures that have undermined confidence in the electoral process.
Observer missions have urged reforms to address logistical shortcomings, enhance inclusivity, and ensure transparency.
Voters are also calling for the nullification of the election.
The elections were marked by operational lapses, including a shortage of ballot papers at polling stations, the heating of tablets, the running out of batteries for the ultraviolet light torches, and the departure of mobile polling stations before some voters had cast their votes.
The ECN in the build-up to the elections also faced challenges on the court ruling for the re-registration of Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) as well as the limited timeframe to print ballot papers.
The Southern Africa Human Rights Lawyers (SAHRL-EOM) head of mission, Talent Rusere, did not mince his words to describe what happened in Namibia.
He criticised the elections, citing severe logistical failures and allegations of corruption.
Rusere, called for the nullification of the results, describing the elections as falling short of both local and international standards.
“We encourage all the active stakeholders in this particular election to make sure that they write a letter to the Constitutional Court and nullify this election. This election must be considered null and void and Namibians need to have a real election,” he said.
In its preliminary report, the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (Seom), headed by Anne Makinda, called for enhanced crisis management frameworks to address logistical failures, such as ballot shortages and delayed polling station openings.
The ECN should create a formal crisis management framework to address emergencies, such as ballot shortages or the need to extend voting days. This framework should outline procedures for stakeholder consultation, decision-making timelines, and communication strategies to ensure all affected parties are informed and involved,” she said.
SEOM observed the voting process in all 14 regions.
The report of the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries (ECF-SADC) identified the conduct of special voting prior to the publication of full party lists as an issue.
The report states that the process meant that voters were casting ballots without knowing the candidates, potentially undermining the informed decision-making process.
“Political party funding allocations are not extended to political parties outside parliament. The existing practice where a new government is formed four months after election results are declared may cause challenges. Concerns were raised on ECN’s reluctance to indicate how it would handle “tendered ballots” as provided for in section 98(6) of the Electoral Act,” reads the report.
The ECF-SADC recommended the introduction of new legislation to ensure the swift conclusion of election-related cases in the courts.
Additionally, the forum suggests the establishment of a Registrar of Political Parties, which would relieve the ECN of this responsibility, allowing the commission to focus on its core duties while maintaining its independence.
The African Centre for Governance Election Observation Mission (ACG-EOM) Observers recommended increasing the number of polling stations and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities. “Inclusive voting infrastructure is essential to ensure all Namibians can exercise their democratic rights without barriers,” stated the mission.
