Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) leader Panduleni Itula says his party will not accept the 2024 election results, even if the IPC wins.
Speaking at a media briefing in Windhoek on Saturday, Itula alleged widespread irregularities during the election process that started on 27 November and was extended until Saturday, 30 November.
Itula accused the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) of undermining the country’s democracy by failing to uphold the Constitution and electoral laws.
The 2024 presidential and National Assembly elections have been marred by alleged irregularities, including ballot paper shortages, power failures at polling stations and the exclusion of voters sent home without having voted.
“We will not accept the results of these elections, whether they indicate a win for the IPC presidential candidate, victory in parliamentary seats or even suggest a runoff,” Itula said.
He added “this is about principle, the rule of law, and the rights of Namibians to choose their leaders through a credible process”.
Itula detailed numerous complaints from IPC polling agents, including reports of alleged malpractices at voting stations and questionable handling of the election process. He said these irregularities were “glaring and undeniable,” adding that they breached local, regional and international standards for fair elections.
Itula said the elections were conducted in a manner that no credible democratic system can accept. “Even people unfamiliar with legal principles can see that what is happening is unacceptable,” he said.
Itula urged Namibians to remain calm and avoid being swayed by what he termed propaganda circulating on social media.
He called on citizens to critically assess the situation and support efforts to challenge the results through legitimate channels.
“As IPC we stand firm in our resolve to fight alongside other political parties that feel the same and are able to travel in the same vehicle to nullify the election through the processes that are established within our electoral process,” Itula said.
He said this is to ensure that the Namibian people will again be given an opportunity to exercise their democratic right “to choose the leaders that they seek to govern over them and not to have people who are refusing to lift themselves up in order to vacate the seat of authority and for the Namibian people to place those that they chose to do so”.
The ECN’s chief electoral officer, Peter Shaama, on Saturday said Namibians must refrain from sharing and following fake results being posted on social media.
“We urge the public to download the ECN mobile app or follow the results on the ECN website for official results transmission, not other sources,” Shaama said.
The ECN has since Saturday evening been releasing results from constituencies. The results indicate a lead for Swapo presidential candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and her party.
The IPC and its presidential candidate, Itula, are in second position.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
