IPC suspicious of ECN recalling polling officers, says it is an attempt at tampering

The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) is challenging the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) for tampering with ballots.

IPC secretary Christine !Auchamus said in a letter to the ECN on Tuesday that it was informed of various ECN presiding officers requesting IPC polling agents to present themselves at ECN warehouses or the police.

“We have received reports from IPC polling agents from various regions across the country that they are being called by ECN presiding officers to present themselves at ECN warehouses and or at police stations for the purpose of reopening ballot boxes,” !Auchamus said.

In an application filed at the Electoral Court of Namibia on Monday, the IPC seeks permission to access and inspect electoral materials linked to the National Assembly election of 27 to 30 November.

The party alleges there were irregularities and inconsistencies in the extended voting period and in the counting of votes.

ECN spokesperson De Wet Siluka confirms receiving the letter.

“We received the letter but it is something we are busy establishing and we will revert back,” Siluka says.

IPC spokesperson Imms Nashinge yesterday said the timing of ECN’s call to reopen the ballot boxes after the party’s inquest to review the material is questionable.

“Just after IPC and other political parties requested the court to avail or recheck ballot papers as part of phase one of our legal challenge, then in two minutes the polling officers are called to turn up,” he said.

Nashinge questioned the validity of the process and asked how the party will know that the ballot boxes have not been tempered with.

“Why is the ECN calling agents to present themselves at ECN warehouses or police stations for the purpose of opening ballot boxes? Is this a way to tamper with the boxes or the ballot boxes since there is a court case against ECN?” he asked.

The IPC says in the letter that it has the names and telephone numbers of the officers involved.

“I am hereby also taking the liberty to inform you that we have the names and telephone numbers of the officers who have been making these calls and have confirmed authenticity of the same,” !Auchamus said.