AS Namibia gears up for its general election next month, the country’s main opposition party, the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), is calling for the removal of a South African company, Ren-Form, from its role in printing ballots. The firm is currently under investigation by Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption commission for alleged misconduct during Zimbabwe’s recent elections.
On Tuesday, over 110 members of the PDM marched to the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) headquarters in Windhoek to protest the contract awarded to Ren-Form. The opposition delivered a petition urging the commission to cancel the company’s contract to design, print, and deliver ballot papers for Namibia’s elections on November 27.
Allegations of fraud in Zimbabwe
PDM leader McHenry Venaani raised concerns over Ren-Form’s alleged involvement in corrupt activities in Zimbabwe. ‘This company is under investigation for money laundering and abuse of office by the Zimbabwean anti-corruption commission. The sums involved are staggering, over 800 million Namibian dollars,’ Venaani said.
The concerns stem from Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections, where the company is accused of contributing to electoral mismanagement. Reports indicated that ballot papers were delayed at some polling stations, forcing voters to return the following day. While the Zimbabwean electoral body was responsible for distributing the ballots, political analyst Rakkel Andreas, who observed the elections, affirmed that Ren-Form’s role in the delays raised legitimate concerns.
‘The PDM’s objections are valid,’ Andreas told VOA. ‘There were logistical issues that disrupted the Zimbabwean elections, and it is important for the opposition to raise these concerns now to prevent potential irregularities in Namibia’s election.’
Electoral Commission defends contract
Despite the protests, the Electoral Commission of Namibia defended its decision to award the contract to Ren-Form. Speaking to VOA, ECN spokesperson De Wet Malauli said that the procurement process was rigorous and compliant with Namibian law. ‘The decision to award Ren-Form the contract was based on a thorough evaluation. The company has a 20-year track record, managing over 70 elections across Africa.’
Malauli dismissed the allegations against Ren-Form as unfounded, suggesting that the accusations were an attempt to undermine public trust in Namibia’s electoral process. He maintained that the contract was awarded based on technical requirements, cost-effectiveness, and the company’s ability to meet deadlines.
Legal action looms
In response to the ECN’s stance, the PDM announced that it is consulting with lawyers in an attempt to remove Ren-Form from the election process. Venaani stressed the importance of ensuring that the election remains free from controversy or suspicion, particularly given the firm’s troubled history.
With 15 presidential candidates and 21 political parties contesting the upcoming election, the stakes are high. This will be Namibia’s seventh general election since gaining independence from South Africa in 1990, and the first since the country introduced new electoral regulations.
As tensions rise over the contract, the opposition continues to push for accountability and transparency in the election process. The ECN has acknowledged receipt of the PDM’s petition and said it will forward the matter to relevant authorities, though it remains unclear whether any changes will be made before election day.
This latest controversy highlights the growing scrutiny of Namibia’s electoral preparations as the country approaches a pivotal election, with the opposition determined to ensure a fair and transparent voting process.
