By Caleb Shatyohamba
WINDHOEK, DECEMBER 17-The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has expressed its readiness to comply with the High Court’s order granting the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) and the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) parties access to inspect electoral material used in the recently concluded elections.
The inspection is set to take place on December 18 and 19, 2024, under strict conditions to ensure the integrity of the sealed electoral materials.
According to the court order, the inspection must be conducted in the presence of police officers and ECN officials, with both political parties required to submit the names of five representatives for the process.
A statement released on ECN’s official social media platform emphasized the commission’s preparedness: “We are prepared and ready for the inspection of voting materials as per the court order.”
The agreement, reached between the legal representatives of both parties and the ECN, clearly stipulates that no sealed documents or materials will be unsealed during the inspection. This safeguard aims to maintain the confidentiality and security of sensitive electoral records.
Meanwhile, IPC leader Panduleni Itula announced that the party would not entertain any media inquiries related to the electoral process until next year. Speaking in an interview with a local media outlet on Tuesday, Itula reiterated the party’s commitment to respecting the ongoing legal process.
The court’s decision to grant access to the electoral materials follows concerns raised by both parties regarding the transparency of the electoral process. The inspection will provide an opportunity for the parties to verify the integrity of the election results while adhering to the legal and procedural framework set by the court.
