Johanna Hipangelwa
As Namibia gears up for another crucial election year, the spotlight is once again on the adherence of political parties to electoral regulations. A recent development has brought to forefront the issue of compliance with the electoral act, particularly concerning the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF), and has ignited debates on accountability in the political landscape.
The Electoral Act of Namibia serves as the cornerstone for fair and transparent elections in the country. It outlines specific requirements that political parties must fulfill to maintain their legal status and participation in the electoral process. These requirements include financial disclosures, membership thresholds, and organizational structures aimed at fostering transparency and accountability.
The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters, has been at the center of controversy regarding its compliance with the Electoral Act. Reports have surfaced suggesting that NEFF has failed to meet certain statutory obligations mandated by the act. These alleged breaches incomplete financial disclosures , raising serious questions about the party’s adherence to legal norms.
The reregistration process mandated by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) underscores the seriousness with which electoral authorities view non-compliance. Political parties that fail to fulfill the requirements stipulated in the Electoral Act face potential deregistration, which could ultimately lead to their exclusion from participating in upcoming elections.
At the heart of this issue lies a fundamental question: who should be responsible for enforcing compliance and ensuring accountability – ECN or the voters themselves? During my academic research titled “AN EXPLORATION STUDY: THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF NAMIBIA AND THE EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT OF THE ELECTORAL ACT 5 OF 2014, IN TERMS OF POLITICAL PARTY FUNDING’’, accentuates the critical importance of robust oversight by the Electoral Commission of Namibia, which is essential to upholding the integrity of the electoral process. The findings confirmed that stringent enforcement of the Electoral Act ensures a level playing field and safeguards democratic principles.
Moving forward
As Namibia approaches its next election cycle, the reregistration of political parties serves as a critical juncture in assessing the effectiveness of the Electoral Act. It presents an opportunity to strengthen mechanisms for accountability and transparency within the political sphere. Moving forward, the role of ECN in enforcing compliance and the vigilance of voters in holding political parties accountable will continue to shape the future trajectory of Namibia’s democratic governance.
While the reregistration process may temporarily disrupt political dynamics, its overarching goal remains clear: to uphold the integrity of Namibia’s electoral system and ensure that political parties operate within the bounds of the law. As stakeholders engage in constructive dialogue on these issues, the outcome will not only impact the upcoming elections but also set a precedent for electoral accountability in the years to come.
~Johanna Hipangelwa is a Political Science graduate from UNAM. johannahipangelwa01@gmail.com
