ECN’s 'administrative precarity’ worries analysts
Handling of issue 'doesn't inspire confidence'
Experts called on the electoral body to improve its communication and administrative affairs in order to safeguard the credibility of electoral processes.
Political and governance experts cautioned that the Electoral Commission of Namibia’s (ECN) decision to cancel a ballot printing tender could put the credibility of the upcoming elections in jeopardy.
The bidding process, which was due to close tomorrow, was cancelled to prevent “factors which may negatively affect the timely delivery of the ballot papers”. To the surprise of political parties represented by the Parties Liaison Committee (PLC), they received an invitation on Saturday evening from ECN to attend a meeting that took place yesterday where the commission communicated its decision.
PLC insiders lamented the manner in which ECN handled the matter, saying “the meeting lacked all elements of consultations because ECN merely communicated its decision to the parties instead of seeking input”.
Undermined trust
Election Nexus gauged the views of several analysts on the new development.
Institute for Public Policy Research executive director Graham Hopwood said “the way the ECN has handled the ballot paper issue doesn't inspire confidence in their planning abilities”.
“The timelines involved here should have been obvious from past experiences with the printing of ballots. Now they have undermined the parties' - and possibly the public's - trust in the electoral process by changing plans at such a late stage in the electoral process,” he opined.
Meanwhile, political analyst Rui Tyitende says ECN had ample time to get its administrative affairs in order “to avoid running around at the last minute”.
“Heads need to roll because you cannot have an institution that is central in managing our elections but they cannot get the basics right. Perception matters and it needs to be managed at all times,” he said.
Public policy expert Dr Marius Kudumo called for enhanced communication levels between ECN and all stakeholders to avoid communication mishaps.
“ECN needs to consult with political parties and also inform the public constantly in terms of what is happening. Withdrawing the tender, if there were good reasons, creates the impression that you are not in charge of the process,” he said. “I do not understand why lawmakers are not looking at the limitations within the procurement act. It is those limitations ECN wanted to manage, but you cannot manage it without consultation. Everything needs to be done according to the electoral calendar.”
The bidding process, which was due to close tomorrow, was cancelled to prevent “factors which may negatively affect the timely delivery of the ballot papers”. To the surprise of political parties represented by the Parties Liaison Committee (PLC), they received an invitation on Saturday evening from ECN to attend a meeting that took place yesterday where the commission communicated its decision.
PLC insiders lamented the manner in which ECN handled the matter, saying “the meeting lacked all elements of consultations because ECN merely communicated its decision to the parties instead of seeking input”.
Undermined trust
Election Nexus gauged the views of several analysts on the new development.
Institute for Public Policy Research executive director Graham Hopwood said “the way the ECN has handled the ballot paper issue doesn't inspire confidence in their planning abilities”.
“The timelines involved here should have been obvious from past experiences with the printing of ballots. Now they have undermined the parties' - and possibly the public's - trust in the electoral process by changing plans at such a late stage in the electoral process,” he opined.
Meanwhile, political analyst Rui Tyitende says ECN had ample time to get its administrative affairs in order “to avoid running around at the last minute”.
“Heads need to roll because you cannot have an institution that is central in managing our elections but they cannot get the basics right. Perception matters and it needs to be managed at all times,” he said.
Public policy expert Dr Marius Kudumo called for enhanced communication levels between ECN and all stakeholders to avoid communication mishaps.
“ECN needs to consult with political parties and also inform the public constantly in terms of what is happening. Withdrawing the tender, if there were good reasons, creates the impression that you are not in charge of the process,” he said. “I do not understand why lawmakers are not looking at the limitations within the procurement act. It is those limitations ECN wanted to manage, but you cannot manage it without consultation. Everything needs to be done according to the electoral calendar.”
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