Stefanus Nashama
Swapo’s leadership in the Moses Garoeb constituency is gathering voter statistics to verify the party members’ readiness for elections.
This was said by the party’s constituency district coordinator, Eliser Tangi, in an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Monday.
“Swapo is surveying its members to determine how many have registered for voter cards,” he said.
Tangi further explained that registering the party members’ voting card details is a requirement for the organisation’s statistics.
“We have three types of members: those with membership cards, followers, and sympathizers. The program aims to educate our members about the importance of registering for voter cards and to identify those who have not yet registered and the reasons why,” he said.
Tangi dismissed allegations that the party is registering its members and copying their voting card details to rig the November election results.
Tangi said he also received messages and phone calls from opposition members questioning the program.
Despite this, he said no one can prove that those who complain on local radios are members of Swapo.
“Who knows that they are our members? I do not think our members can complain about the party’s activities,” he questioned.
Tangi emphasised that while the party wants to win elections, it is also important to educate its members so that they are ready to participate in presidential, national assembly, regional and local authority elections.
This will ensure that the party leadership can make decisions in those areas, he said.
“There are members who do not understand why they should participate in all these elections. This is the reason we are educating them and ensuring they fully participate,” he explained.
A form with the heading ‘Swapo Party 2024 Voter Registration Form’ has since been circulating on social media.
In a voice note circulating in WhatsApp groups, a woman who identified herself as Kimi explained that the form was given to the party leadership in the Khomas region by Swapo’s Secretary General, Sophia Shanigwa.
Kimi said the instruction was for the leaders to register the people requiring a residential address, date of birth, voter registration, and contact numbers.
“Why would Sophia Shaningwa ask people to be registered while they are already registered by ECN?” she said.
Kimi warned Swapo not to rig the elections, saying it would lead to political violence.
Some members of the public also went on local radio station programmes such as Omayele kOshigwana on Kati FM, Point of Order, and Omaiuvo Gambwalangandja on Shipi FM to seek clarity regarding the capturing of their voter card numbers by the party.
“I’m concerned about Swapo members registering us and also capturing our voter’s card details. It feels like we are already voting that way. Why haven’t we seen them at our houses registering us for drought relief food? This situation occurred in Max Mutongolume in the Moses Garoeb constituency. I am a member of Swapo, but I’m worried about this,” said one caller.
“Swapo needs to clarify why they are collecting our voters’ card details during this pivotal election year. We must ensure our people are not manipulated,” said another caller.
When asked for comment, Moses Garoeb constituency councillor Stefanus Ndengu said his office did not send anyone to conduct such a programme for Swapo members.
He also said he does not know anything about the programme.
“I have no hand in capturing Swapo members’ voter card numbers. I represent all people from different parties. I cannot go to the people that way, although I am on a Swapo party ticket,” he said.
Ndengu reported receiving messages from individuals inquiring about Swapo members recording their voting card details.
“I was abroad when the programme started. I was told it was about mobilising Swapo members. I asked the district leadership, and they said it was part of the party’s activities,” he explained.
Ndengu referred other questions to Tangi.
“I do not know the entire situation. You should ask the district coordinator to explain what it means,” he said.
The Popular Democratic Movement’s (PDM) Secretary General, Manuel Ngaringombe said such a programme is unacceptable and shouldn’t be allowed.
“It is very dangerous for Swapo to capture its members’ voting card details. This is an election year. What will happen if all political parties start doing the same?” he questioned.
Ngaringombe asked the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) to look into such matters.
“Voting cards belong to the voters, not Swapo. I will follow up on this with the ECN,” he said.
The Independent Patriots for Change’s (IPC) Khomas mobiliser, Kamati Nangolo said he does not deem it correct for a certain political party to capture details of voter cards.
“I am aware of the matter. Such things confuse people. I believe the ECN is the only organisation that should collect such details,” he said.
