IPC to challenge election results in court next week

The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has confirmed plans to file a legal challenge against the results of Namibia’s 2024 presidential and National Assembly elections next week.

The party alleges irregularities in the electoral process and will take its case to court with support from various political parties.

Speaking to The Namibian on Friday, IPC secretary general Christine !Aochamus said the party’s legal team is finalising the necessary documentation.

“Our lawyers are at an advanced stage in preparing the paperwork. We will present our case to court next week,” !Aochamus said.

The IPC has been vocal about its dissatisfaction with the election process, citing allegations of voter disenfranchisement, logistical failures, and procedural flaws by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN).

This legal move follows widespread criticism of the election’s credibility, with opposition parties and civil society questioning the legitimacy of the results.

The IPC is expected to argue that these alleged shortcomings violated constitutional rights and undermined a free and fair election.

According to the election results released last week, the IPC secured 20 parliamentary seats, establishing itself as the official opposition.

Swapo, with 51 seats, retained its majority, while IPC leader Panduleni Itula finished second in the presidential race.

Swapo’s candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, was declared president-elect.

Meanwhile, ECN board chairperson Elsie Nghikembua last week said they will deal with the court cases when they are filed in court.

“We will deal with it as and when it comes,” Nghikembua said while answering questions from the media on ECN’s response to the court cases planned by political parties.

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