By Caleb Shatyohamba
WINDHOEK, DECEMBER 12 — The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), Namibia’s newly elected official opposition party, has called on its supporters and sympathizers to contribute funds for a legal challenge against the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN).
The appeal comes after the IPC filed an urgent application seeking permission to inspect electoral materials related to the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Speaking to Namibia Daily News earlier today, IPC national spokesperson Immanuel Nashinge confirmed the party’s financial needs.
“We need more money to defend this matter, even N$2 million,” Nashinge stated.
The case is scheduled to be heard on Friday, 13 December. The IPC has raised concerns following allegations that the ECN has been summoning IPC polling agents to warehouses or police stations to reopen ballot boxes from the recent elections.
According to a letter obtained by Namibia Daily News, the IPC claims to have received reports from regions including Khomas and Erongo. The party, through its General Secretary, Christine !Aochamus, has questioned the legality and intent behind this alleged directive, especially given the ongoing court application concerning electoral materials.
“Reopening ballot boxes from a concluded election is highly inappropriate and illegal,” said !Aochamus. “We have verified the authenticity of the reports and have the names and contact details of the officers involved.” The IPC has urged ECN Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer Peter Shaama to clarify and explain the directive urgently.
In a related development, the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) has also taken legal action against the ECN, filing an urgent application with the High Court of Namibia.
The LPM, represented by Dr. Weder, Kauta & Hoveka Inc., is challenging the ECN’s handling of the recent elections, citing irregularities in voting and counting processes. The case focuses on events during the election periods of 13 and 27 November, as well as the extended polling dates from 28 to 30 November.
The LPM is seeking detailed election data, including the total number of votes cast, spoiled ballots, tendered votes, and seats allocated to political parties at each polling station. Furthermore, the party is questioning the constitutional validity of the extended polling dates, citing procedural lapses and a lack of transparency.
The High Court will hear the LPM’s case on Monday, 16 December. – Namibia Daily News
Photo: File/Contributed
