NAMIBIA’S main opposition leader, Panduleni Itula, has criticised the nation’s ongoing presidential and legislative elections, citing widespread irregularities. Despite these concerns, he urged the country to see the process through before deciding on the next course of action.
Itula, the presidential candidate for the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and a key challenger to the ruling SWAPO party, addressed reporters on Friday. ‘Regrettably, there has been a multitude of irregularities,’ he said, as opposition parties began discussions to form a unified stance on the unfolding vote chaos.
Delays and disruptions
Over 1.5 million Namibians were registered to vote in the elections held on Wednesday. However, logistical and technical challenges disrupted the process, leading to hours-long queues at polling stations. Many voters, frustrated by the delays, abandoned their attempts to cast their ballots.
In response to mounting criticism and accusations of voter suppression, the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) extended voting until Saturday. Itula condemned the electoral authority’s performance, describing it as a betrayal of the nation.
‘Namibia has been betrayed by the incompetence of the electoral authority,’ said Itula, who is both a dentist and a lawyer.
Opposition strategy
Despite the disruptions, Itula stressed the importance of completing the electoral process. ‘There is no other alternative than for the citizens to carry out what is proposed by the Electoral Commission of Namibia to its conclusion,’ he stated.
Addressing potential calls for protests or demands for a re-run, Itula appealed for restraint. ‘I know for a lot of people, especially the young people, the adrenaline is pumping… to seek a remedy by this means. And I think that we’ve got to be very, very cautious.’
A call for calm
Itula emphasised the need for calm and reassured Namibians that the opposition would respond appropriately within the confines of the law. ‘We shall inform the public as to what appropriate actions are necessary and how quickly we can take them,’ he said.
Encouraging citizens to remain vigilant, he added, ‘Stand firm to ensure that we shall not be robbed nor denied our democratic right to choose our leaders.’
A legacy of power
The SWAPO party, which has ruled Namibia since its independence 34 years ago, faces its stiffest competition yet from the IPC and other opposition groups. The delays and reported irregularities have heightened tensions in a nation where election integrity is paramount.
As the extended voting period concludes, the opposition’s next steps will be crucial in determining whether Namibia’s democratic values remain intact or face further erosion.
