Namibia’s leading opposition presidential candidate, Panduleni Itula, declared on Saturday that his Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) party would not recognise the results of the extended presidential and legislative elections. The vote, initially scheduled for Wednesday, was prolonged due to widespread logistical failures, long queues, and allegations of foul play.
“The rule of law has been grossly violated, and we cannot call these elections by any means or measure as free, fair and legitimate,” Itula stated, denouncing the election as neither free, fair, nor legitimate. The IPC, which seeks to unseat the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) after 34 years in power, vowed to fight for the election’s nullification through legal channels.
Electoral authorities extended voting after reports of widespread delays and technical issues, with critics alleging voter suppression aimed at disadvantaging opposition parties. A monitoring report from southern African human rights lawyers claimed deliberate delays occurred at over 63% of polling stations.
Despite the challenges, polling stations in Windhoek remained busy on Saturday, with voters expressing frustration over limited voting venues. Sielfriedt Gowaseb, a voter in the capital, criticised the arrangement, saying, “We needed more polling stations where the majority live.”
The ruling SWAPO, which led Namibia to independence in 1990, is experiencing its toughest electoral challenge yet. High youth unemployment and economic inequality have eroded support, particularly among voters under 35, who make up 42% of the electorate.
Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, SWAPO’s candidate, could make history as Namibia’s first female leader. However, her campaign faces stiff opposition from Itula, who alleged betrayal by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) and criticised its organisational failures, including ballot shortages and equipment malfunctions.
Provisional results are expected soon, but the political landscape remains tense, with the opposition calling for swift action to address grievances and restore public trust.
