By : Lloyd Mahachi
Tensions are rising in Namibia after the country’s electoral commission announced an extension of the presidential and parliamentary elections. The extension was due to “irregularities” that slowed down voting, including a shortage of ballot papers and overheating electronic tablets used to register voters.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) announced that polling stations would remain open until Saturday night. The opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) party protested against the extension but urged voters to cast their ballots. “Regrettably, there has been a multitude of irregularities,” said IPC presidential candidate Panduleni Itula.
Despite the challenges, voters are determined to make their voices heard. Nangombe Shitaleni, a registered voter, returned every day to vote, but to no avail. “It’s like you are a mad person,” he said. The delays and irregularities have caused frustration among voters, particularly the youth.
Namibia is a former German colony that came under South African control after World War I. The country’s Black majority was subjected to apartheid policies, and Swapo was at the forefront of the fight for freedom. Since independence in 1990, Swapo has dominated politics, but its grip on power is being challenged by the IPC.
The IPC is hoping to end 34 years of Swapo rule, and its presidential candidate, Panduleni Itula, is standing against Swapo’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. If Nandi-Ndaitwah wins, she will become Namibia’s first female leader. The election is seen as a test of Swapo’s popularity, particularly among the youth, who are frustrated by a lack of opportunities.
Namibia is rated as an upper-middle-income country by the World Bank, but it is blighted by huge inequality. The country’s electoral issues come as Mozambique is engulfed in violent unrest after the long-ruling Frelimo party was declared the winner of an election in October. The situation in Namibia is being closely watched, and the outcome of the election will have significant implications for the country’s future.
The IPC has urged voters to remain calm and to cast their ballots. The party is hoping to capitalize on the discontent among voters, particularly the youth. The election is seen as a crucial test of Namibia’s democracy, and the outcome will have significant implications for the country’s future.
The electoral commission has apologized for the irregularities and has promised to ensure that the election is free and fair. The commission has also urged voters to remain patient and to cast their ballots. The situation in Namibia is being closely watched, and the outcome of the election will have significant implications for the country’s future.
In the meantime, voters are advised to check with their local electoral commission for updates on the voting process. Voters can also check the electoral commission’s website for information on the election. For more information on the election, voters can also try searching online for the latest news and updates.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
