Karas ECN boss denies favouritism

THE Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) chief in the Karas Region, Berent Both, has denied allegations of ‘nepotism, threats of dismissals and ill-mannered attitudes towards subordinate staff’ levelled against senior election officials.

Some disgruntled election officials demanded the removal of the local ECN management team, claiming they had appointed their wives, friends and children as polling, returning and presiding officers despite them not meeting the appointment criteria. The group also accused Both of being hostile towards subordinate staff, claiming he threatened to dismiss some officials when questioned about the alleged irregular appointments. The threats were allegedly made against an election official during a disciplinary hearing. The official was allegedly hauled before a hearing on Tuesday after voicing concerns. Refuting the allegations, Both said the recruitment of election officials is done at the ECN head office.’I’m not aware of any appointments done at the regional level, because only the ECN head office deals with the recruitment process,’ he said.’At no time was I even hostile towards any election official, nor did the local management threatened to dismiss anyone,’ he added.Both acknowledged his wife’s appointment as an election official, but added that she was recruited by the ECN head office, like the others.Admitting that an official was called in on Tuesday by the local management, Both said: ‘We did this to give the said election official an opportunity to express her concerns, after she wanted to voice her grievances in the middle of a training session in the presence of others. Therefore I do not see it as a disciplinary hearing.’Both said local management was in the process of briefing the ECN Deputy Director of Operations on the grievances.’The local management team would also make recommendations about the official’s conduct, but her fate will be decided by the ECN deputy director of operations, and not by us,’ said Both. Both said the identity of the person behind the unfounded allegations is known to him, adding that the said official is just ‘retaliating’ because the management did not see it fit to appoint her as a presiding officer. ‘She could not be given the said position because of her limited level of understanding the election process. Selections were made on the basis of competence,’ said Both. luqman@namibian.com.na