NamNet raises irregularities around ‘tumultuous’ voting period
Ballot tender cancellation among issues raised
NamNet also expressed grave concern about the ECN's decision to extend the voting period by two days in certain regions under ambiguous legal grounds.
The Namibian Civil Society Non-State Actors Network (NamNet), representing over 1 150 organisations, has expressed deep concern over the handling of the November 2024 elections.
While appreciating the patience of Namibian citizens during the 'tumultuous' voting period, NamNet raised the alarm over a series of irregularities which undermined the credibility of the electoral process and threatened the country's democratic future.
NamNet in a recent statement noted that the irregularities began months before the election day itself. The organisation points to the cancellation of an open tender for ballot printing, which lacked a clear explanation, and the subsequent appointment of a specific company without a valid justification.
"During the elections, the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) demonstrated a lack of transparency, avoided communicating with the public at multiple levels, and held unilateral meetings – seemingly in secret – with one of the political parties. [This is] an action which is, at best, highly insensitive as it created the public impression of being partisan. [This] is inconsistent with the spirit of the Electoral Act as amended, [and evidence of] poor planning and clear incompetence.
“This created the feeling that the ECN has little respect for the voting public, with people standing in queues for up to 14 hours, while some were denied their constitutional right to vote," notes the statement.
NamNet also expressed grave concern about the ECN’s decision to extend the voting period by two days in certain regions under ambiguous legal grounds.
The network highlighted the case of the Khomas region, which had only one polling station open despite being the largest voting area in the country, raising questions about the fairness of the process.
Several political parties shared similar sentiments, some going as far as filing urgent applications against the ECN, demanding a rerun of the elections altogether.
NamNet demanded accountability from the ECN and called for urgent steps to prevent further political tension. Among the immediate recommendations is the resignation or removal of the ECN leadership, to be replaced with an unbiased and competent team to restore public confidence.
NamNet further proposed the formation of a Commission of Inquiry, comprising representatives from academia, civil society and political parties, to investigate the election process and suggest measures to ensure future elections are free, fair and transparent.
In addition, NamNet asked for the establishment of an independent commission to oversee the appointment of senior ECN personnel, and the creation of a detailed electoral work plan, developed at least 12 months before future elections. This plan would be subject to review by both political parties and civil society representatives to ensure transparency and thoroughness.
While appreciating the patience of Namibian citizens during the 'tumultuous' voting period, NamNet raised the alarm over a series of irregularities which undermined the credibility of the electoral process and threatened the country's democratic future.
NamNet in a recent statement noted that the irregularities began months before the election day itself. The organisation points to the cancellation of an open tender for ballot printing, which lacked a clear explanation, and the subsequent appointment of a specific company without a valid justification.
"During the elections, the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) demonstrated a lack of transparency, avoided communicating with the public at multiple levels, and held unilateral meetings – seemingly in secret – with one of the political parties. [This is] an action which is, at best, highly insensitive as it created the public impression of being partisan. [This] is inconsistent with the spirit of the Electoral Act as amended, [and evidence of] poor planning and clear incompetence.
“This created the feeling that the ECN has little respect for the voting public, with people standing in queues for up to 14 hours, while some were denied their constitutional right to vote," notes the statement.
NamNet also expressed grave concern about the ECN’s decision to extend the voting period by two days in certain regions under ambiguous legal grounds.
The network highlighted the case of the Khomas region, which had only one polling station open despite being the largest voting area in the country, raising questions about the fairness of the process.
Several political parties shared similar sentiments, some going as far as filing urgent applications against the ECN, demanding a rerun of the elections altogether.
NamNet demanded accountability from the ECN and called for urgent steps to prevent further political tension. Among the immediate recommendations is the resignation or removal of the ECN leadership, to be replaced with an unbiased and competent team to restore public confidence.
NamNet further proposed the formation of a Commission of Inquiry, comprising representatives from academia, civil society and political parties, to investigate the election process and suggest measures to ensure future elections are free, fair and transparent.
In addition, NamNet asked for the establishment of an independent commission to oversee the appointment of senior ECN personnel, and the creation of a detailed electoral work plan, developed at least 12 months before future elections. This plan would be subject to review by both political parties and civil society representatives to ensure transparency and thoroughness.
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