Supporters and sympathisers of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) in the south have demanded urgent intervention from president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah after the party was excluded from regional council and local authority elections at Kalkrand, Rehoboth, Aranos, Stampriet and Gibeon.
As a result, the party cannot contest in these areas.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) last year introduced the political parties candidate management (PPCM) online system. The LPM failed to submit names of its nominated candidates at Rehoboth, Tses, Luderitz, Bethanie, Stampriet, Aranos, and Berseba for the November regional council and local authority elections.
In a strongly worded petition delivered to Hardap governor Riaan Mcnab on Tuesday, supporters and sympathisers said the exclusion “is a grave affront to the Constitution” and has effectively disenfranchised thousands of voters.
“This is not a request for charity. This is a demand for justice,” the group’s petition reads.
LPM argues the move violates constitutional rights to participate in public affairs and stand for election, and says the ECN failed in its duty to administer an inclusive and lawful process.
The party is demanding an urgent investigation, reinstatement of its candidates where errors occurred, and accountability for those responsible. It also called for a meeting with the Office of the President and ECN leadership.
“Our patience is not infinite,” the petition warns, adding that the party plans to seek court orders, file complaints and stage peaceful demonstrations if no action is taken.
The party has asked the Presidency to respond within three days.
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