Allexer Namundjembo and Martin Endjala
Several opposition political parties in Namibia have raised concerns about the credibility of recent elections, alleging irregularities and accusing the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) of failing to ensure a free and fair process.
However, many are holding back on decisive actions until after the official announcement of results.
National Democratic Party (NDP) leader Martin Lukato stated that his party’s course of action will depend on the announcement of the final election results.
“We cannot tell if we will accept the results now, as we are waiting for the official announcement of the election outcome. After that we will take necessary actions if necessary,” Lukato said.
The Body of Christ president, Festus Thomas, said the party’s stance remains undecided until its leadership convenes.
“We are meeting with our leaders later today, and we will only be able to provide a clear direction after the meeting,” he said.
The National Empowerment Fighting Corruption’s leader, Keneth Iilonga criticised the ECN for allegedly overstepping its authority by extending election dates without proper consultation.
“It is unconstitutional. ECN was supposed to inform political leaders about its decision to extend elections. After failing to reach an agreement with party representatives, they were supposed to inform us, Iilonga said.
He added that his party is in discussions with other political parties to decide on a collective course of action.
The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters’ (NEFF) spokesperson, Tresia Hamulenge confirmed her party’s rejection of the election results but declined to provide further details.
“We have a press briefing coming up, and we will provide further information on the steps we will take as a party,” she said.
The Affirmative Repositioning’s (AR) leader, Job Amupanda expressed dissatisfaction with the election process, referring to it as “organised chaos” orchestrated by “ECN-PF and SWAPO-PF.”
“The leadership yesterday to discuss this election mess and organised chaos by ECN-PF and SWAPO-PF, after which the outcome will be communicated to the public Monday morning,” Amupanda said.
During an election review conference on Saturday, the Landless People’s Movement’s (LPM) leader, Bernadus Swartbooi warned of difficult times ahead if the ruling SWAPO party retains power.
He urged voters dissatisfied with SWAPO’s performance to reflect on their choices.
“The LPM worked very hard, and we are telling you, the people of this country, dark times are coming, and the good thing about dark and light is it affects everyone,” he said.
He said Namibians who voted for the current government should not criticise LPM later if they don’t get what they want.
He said the party would send back such individuals to go and lodge their dissatisfaction with the party they voted for.
“For the rest who vote for change. We will continue to fight for justice and change, he assured us.
The leader of Independent Patriots for Change said that his party will work with other political parties to invalidate the elections using the procedures outlined in Namibia’s electoral system.
“We will ensure that the Namibian people will once again be given an opportunity to exercise their democratic right to choose the leaders that they seek to govern,” he said.
