Britain distances itself from ‘fabricated’ IPC letters

The British High Commission in Windhoek has firmly dismissed allegations suggesting its government funded the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and its president Panduleni Itula ahead of the November elections.British High Commissioner to Namibia Charles Moore confirmed in a missive to Itula - dated 24 July - that letters allegedly authored by United Kingdom (UK) member of parliament Sarah Champion, suggesting the provision of £750 000 (N$17.6 million) and a fleet of vehicles to IPC, were fabricated."The tone, style and content of the letters - in particular, the assertion that the government of the United Kingdom had gifted £750 000 and a fleet of vehicles to the [IPC] - make it clear that the letters had been written and circulated by a third party for disinformation," Moore wrote."But, given their potential credibility to readers unfamiliar with UK-Namibia relations and UK parliamentary procedures, you asked me to seek a formal denunciation of the letters from the IDC. My colleagues in London contacted the clerks of the IDC, and I spoke personally with Champion. Both stated firmly and clearly that neither of the two letters had been written nor circulated by them, and that the content was entirely fabricated. The UK does not, and would not, offer support or funding to any political party in Namibia.”Political desperationMeanwhile, IPC also denied allegations suggesting that the party and Itula are fronts for British interests aiming to induce regime change in Namibia. According to a statement issued by the party on Wednesday, these allegations "desperate attempts" by political opponents facing imminent defeat."For some months now, the Namibian public has been inundated with propaganda from IPC opponents, designed to project the party and its president as fronts in Namibia for alleged British interests of regime change. The IPC considers these allegations as constituting signs of political desperation due to imminent political defeat,” the statement read.IPC highlighted the importance of informing the Namibian people about these ‘malicious allegations’, especially in light of the upcoming elections."The IPC is an entirely Namibian-incepted political party, formed and having its origin in the constitutional rights of Namibian citizens of Article 17 of the Namibian Constitution. Upon fulfilment of the statutory requirements, as prescribed by section 135 of the Electoral Act, it is registered by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) as an entirely indigenous political party,” the statement read.Misleading the publicThe IPC has participated in electoral processes since its inception on 2 August 2020 and has complied fully with ECN requirements for financial accountability, it added."It is therefore shocking that leaders of political parties are deliberately and knowingly misleading the public without objective evidence that the IPC is allegedly involved in clandestine activities contrary to the laws of the Republic of Namibia," the statement continued. "If they are prepared to tell a lie to gain your votes, what more can they lie about in governing Namibia?"The party called on those who propagate these allegations to present objective evidence."The IPC calls upon those leaders of political parties, who allege - directly or indirectly - to provide objective evidence upon which they rely to allege that IPC is London-funded."The IPC is founded on the principles of grassroots participatory democracy, respect, dignity, transparency and accountability in public office and the rule of law, among others. The IPC has always remained true to its principles and, as such, we hereby unequivocally refute the recent baseless allegations circulating on social media that [Itula] received financial support from the UK government and subsequently funnelled these funds to IPC. The allegations are entirely unfounded and are part of a malicious campaign to undermine our credibility and distract from the substantive issues facing our nation,” the party said.nikanor@erongo.com.na

Britain distances itself from ‘fabricated’ IPC letters

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-15

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Britain distances itself from ‘fabricated’ IPC letters

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-15

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