By Benjamin Wickham
WINDHOEK, December 12 – Allegations by Namibia’s opposition parties claiming interference by Zimbabwe’s Zanu-PF in the country’s recent elections have sparked fresh debates about the role of opposition in strengthening democracy. Analysts and political observers are urging parties to prioritize evidence-based claims to maintain credibility and ensure constructive political discourse.
The accusations, spearheaded by five opposition parties, including the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), suggest that Swapo employed election strategies allegedly influenced by Zanu-PF. These include claims of ballot paper shortages at polling stations. However, Swapo leadership has strongly denied these allegations, calling them baseless and designed to discredit its electoral success.
Political analysts have highlighted the critical role of opposition parties in holding governments accountable and fostering healthy democracies. However, they also stress the importance of substantiating claims with evidence to strengthen their position and maintain public trust.
“Opposition parties are vital to the democratic process, but their accusations must be grounded in verifiable facts,” said Felix Mwandila, a constitutional law scholar at the University of Namibia. “Without evidence, such claims risk undermining not only their credibility but also the integrity of Namibia’s democratic institutions.”
Swapo’s president-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who secured 57 percent of the vote, dismissed the allegations as the actions of “sore losers” unable to accept electoral defeat. “The focus should be on nation-building rather than unsubstantiated finger-pointing,” she said.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), an independent body overseeing the elections, has not reported any irregularities or foreign interference. In a statement, the ECN reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free and fair elections by the law.
Observers argue that the ongoing allegations reflect broader challenges within Namibia’s opposition landscape. Former Namibian Prime Minister Nahas Angula suggested that opposition parties should redirect their energy toward building a credible alternative for voters. “Strong campaigns and well-founded critiques of the ruling party will resonate more with the electorate than baseless accusations,” he said.
As Namibia’s political climate evolves, experts are calling for constructive engagement between ruling and opposition parties to address national challenges. “The essence of democracy lies in dialogue and evidence-based accountability,” said Mwandila.
With Swapo maintaining its dominance, attention now turns to how opposition parties will regroup and redefine their strategies in preparation for future elections.
