Hertta-Maria Amutenya
The Supreme Court ruling on 28 February has brought an end to the Electoral Court case involving the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and the Landless People’s Movement (LPM).
The dispute stems from an extension of the voting period from the initially designated 27 November 2024 to 29 and 30 November 2024, as per Proclamation 34 of 2024 issued by President Nangolo Mbumba on the recommendation of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN).
Chief Justice Peter Shivute, while delivering the unanimous decision by a bench of Justices of the Supreme Court last week, ruled that the extension was valid and dismissed the opposition’s petition.
As a result, the two parties withdrew their Electoral Court case against the President, the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), and other respondents on Tuesday.
Political analyst Rui Tjitende said the decision by the two parties was expected.
“As the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court judgement supersedes any judgement that any other court may impose. So, it’s only logical to withdraw their case as it is highly unlikely that the Electoral Court will come to a different conclusion than that of the Supreme Court,” he said.
The case was initially postponed to 6 March, pending the Supreme Court’s decision.
After the ruling dismissed the applicants’ case without a cost order, IPC and LPM informed the Electoral Court of their withdrawal, with each party covering its own costs.
LPM had paid N$300 000 as security on 3 March, in line with a 20 February court order.
The party has now requested the court to rule for a refund of its security deposit.
