EDITORIAL: ECN gambling with democracy

The controversy around the ballot printing contract serves as a serious indictment on the Electoral Commission of Namibia’s (ECN) administrative affairs.The commission finds itself on the receiving end of political parties’ frustrations, with some claiming that the reckless manner in which the ECN is handling such a crucial electoral procedure threatens the credibility of the elections.Many African countries have in the past been accused of tampering with elections and using cronies to print ballot papers. The manner in which ECN is handling this matter serves as fodder for critics who are advancing election-rigging conspiracies on the continent.The way ECN went about selecting South African printing firm Ren-Form CC to print the ballots is full of irregularities. As they say in law, an illegitimate process cannot produce a legitimate outcome. Hence, the process to go on emergency tender for the ballot printing - which has now resulted in Ren-Form being awarded the tender - is being widely objected to.ECN must take its mandate to administer elections seriously because electoral processes are the cornerstone of any democracy. We must avoid any acts that could taint the credibility of our electoral system.Political parties must also be lauded for their patriotism and boldness to face the ECN head-on and, by doing so, ensuring that nothing is done in the dark.

EDITORIAL: ECN gambling with democracy

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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EDITORIAL: ECN gambling with democracy

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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