Nandi-Ndaitwah Refutes Allegations of Zimbabwean Interference in Namibia’s Elections
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s first female President-elect, dismissed allegations of Zimbabwe’s interference in the recent elections. Opposition parties raised concerns without evidence, claiming that Zanu-PF influenced the electoral results. Nandi-Ndaitwah described the accusations as baseless, amid logistical issues during the polling process that may have impacted voter turnout. Zanu-PF and Swapo officials have denied any wrongdoing.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s President-elect and the nation’s first female leader, has firmly rejected assertions that Zimbabwe meddled in the recent presidential and National Assembly elections. These claims were articulated by five opposition parties, which alleged that the ruling Zanu-PF party from Zimbabwe exerted influence over the electoral outcomes favoring the ruling party, Swapo. The parties including the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), Landless People’s Movement (LPM), Affirmative Repositioning (AR), All People’s Party (APP), and Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) have raised accusations without presenting substantial evidence, but expressed concerns regarding Zanu-PF’s involvement.
LPM leader Ivan Skrywer expressed similarity between the alleged procedural issues such as ballot shortages in Namibian polling stations and supposed electoral manipulation tactics previously observed in Zimbabwe. He stated, “If we look at the election results in Zimbabwe last year, this was the tactic used on day one.” IPC spokesperson Imms Nashinge suggested that Zanu-PF may have influenced Swapo’s electoral victory, referencing a social media announcement from Zimbabwean presidential spokesperson George Charamba which purportedly declared Swapo’s success prematurely. Nashinge further questioned, “How do they know? Is Namibia a province of Zimbabwe? Since when has Zimbabwe had so much interest in our affairs?”
In response, Nandi-Ndaitwah classified the accusations as unfounded and as part of a deliberate conspiracy aimed at discrediting Swapo. While addressing the matter in Windhoek, she invited investigative journalists to scrutinize the allegations. “Those saying it, they know it’s not true, but they are saying it deliberately to confuse our people,” she asserted.
The elections were marred by logistical difficulties, such as shortages in ballots and equipment malfunctions that resulted in long queues and voting delays. Opposition members argued that these issues adversely affected voter turnout, particularly in the Khomas region. Furthermore, some critics have expressed dissatisfaction with the preparations by Namibia’s Electoral Commission, raising legal questions regarding the decision to extend voting over two additional days. In light of the allegations, officials from Zanu-PF and Swapo have denied any misconduct, with Zanu-PF’s Secretary-General Obert Mpofu describing the claims as “primitive thinking.”
The allegations of Zimbabwe’s interference in Namibia’s elections highlight the complex interplay between regional politics and electoral integrity. Opposition parties have voiced concerns over potential external manipulation, drawing parallels with past electoral practices in Zimbabwe. This situates the discourse within a larger narrative of political tension and distrust, underscoring the importance of transparent electoral processes in ensuring the democratic legitimacy of electoral outcomes.
The unfolding situation surrounding Namibia’s recent elections emphasizes the challenges faced by electoral authorities and the political climate within the country. Despite the opposition’s allegations of Zimbabwean interference, the ruling party remains steadfast in its position. The claims have sparked a significant dialogue regarding the conduct of elections in Namibia and the necessity for robust electoral systems that can withstand scrutiny and foster public trust.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
