Why PDM, RP boycotted ballot trip
ECN faces more resistance from stakeholders over printing job
Parties have accused the electoral body of arrogance, which they warn could compromise the integrity of the upcoming polls.
The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) and the Republican Party (RP) say they have refused to send a representative on an all-paid trip to South Africa to monitor the ballot printing process because they do not want to be seen as condoning the Electoral Commission of Namibia’s (ECN's) decision to hand-pick Ren-Form CC for the job.
This comes as 18 parties contesting during next month’s national polls are currently in South Africa to keep an eye on the process and subsequently ensure that the printing of more than 1.4 million ballots for the National Assembly and presidential elections is done in a transparent manner.
The parties vented their frustrations last week after the printing contract was awarded to the company, which is linked to controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
'Fundamental problem'
PDM, RP and the Christian Democratic Voice (CDV) are the only parties that have refused to send an official representative on the trip.
ECN will be responsible for the costs related to the trip. The commission said the printing job will cost taxpayers N$6 259 686.
RP president Henk Mudge said: “We have a fundamental problem with how this process has been handled, hence, we decided not to be part of the trip.
“If we went along, it would give the impression that we gave our blessings to the process,” he said while speaking to Election Nexus yesterday.
He added: “ECN has been under suspicion during all previous elections – nothing has changed clearly. I must say things do not look good.”
Mudge also referenced the ECN's meeting with President Nangolo Mbumba earlier this year, in which Swapo Party secretary general Sophia Shaningwa also participated.
“Things are seriously wrong somewhere, but I can assure you that we will keep our eyes wide open,” Mudge noted.
Letters of demand
PDM secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe said the party will explore all possible avenues before considering approaching the court to intervene.
“We have written letters of demand to ECN and if we do not get favourable responses, we will resort to litigation. In the meantime, we will have a mass demonstration from the UN Plaza to the ECN offices to express our displeasure towards this process,” he said.
Ngaringombe added: “This is a serious issue and our democracy is being tested."
He added: "ECN has done its best so far to stick to the electoral calendar; what was so difficult to be on time with the printing of the ballots?"
He also accused the ECN “of being arrogant and downplaying our concerns.”
“Their replies are arrogant and the ECN does not take us seriously. I must say, ECN is taking our elections for granted,” he said.
#namibiadecides2024
This comes as 18 parties contesting during next month’s national polls are currently in South Africa to keep an eye on the process and subsequently ensure that the printing of more than 1.4 million ballots for the National Assembly and presidential elections is done in a transparent manner.
The parties vented their frustrations last week after the printing contract was awarded to the company, which is linked to controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
'Fundamental problem'
PDM, RP and the Christian Democratic Voice (CDV) are the only parties that have refused to send an official representative on the trip.
ECN will be responsible for the costs related to the trip. The commission said the printing job will cost taxpayers N$6 259 686.
RP president Henk Mudge said: “We have a fundamental problem with how this process has been handled, hence, we decided not to be part of the trip.
“If we went along, it would give the impression that we gave our blessings to the process,” he said while speaking to Election Nexus yesterday.
He added: “ECN has been under suspicion during all previous elections – nothing has changed clearly. I must say things do not look good.”
Mudge also referenced the ECN's meeting with President Nangolo Mbumba earlier this year, in which Swapo Party secretary general Sophia Shaningwa also participated.
“Things are seriously wrong somewhere, but I can assure you that we will keep our eyes wide open,” Mudge noted.
Letters of demand
PDM secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe said the party will explore all possible avenues before considering approaching the court to intervene.
“We have written letters of demand to ECN and if we do not get favourable responses, we will resort to litigation. In the meantime, we will have a mass demonstration from the UN Plaza to the ECN offices to express our displeasure towards this process,” he said.
Ngaringombe added: “This is a serious issue and our democracy is being tested."
He added: "ECN has done its best so far to stick to the electoral calendar; what was so difficult to be on time with the printing of the ballots?"
He also accused the ECN “of being arrogant and downplaying our concerns.”
“Their replies are arrogant and the ECN does not take us seriously. I must say, ECN is taking our elections for granted,” he said.
#namibiadecides2024
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