Parties fume over ECN’s travel funding cut

The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has told political parties to fund their own travel expenses to observe the printing of ballot papers in South Africa (SA).

This comes after a meeting between the ECN and political parties held on 14 October turned sour after they were told they would have to fully fund their travel expenses, after previously being told the commission would cover 50% of these costs.

“We want the ECN to fund the trip to SA. We did not choose a South African company, and as a norm, the ECN covers this expense.

“To now make a U-turn after they budgeted extra for the six by-elections is unacceptable,” Popular Democratic Movement secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe, who chaired the conference attended by all political parties in Namibia on Wednesday, said.

He said this move implies predecided elections should parties not be able to observe the printing process.

Landless People’s Movement parliamentarian Eneas Emvula said the move disrespects political parties and democracy.

“Who are they to come and say they have no money to send political parties to go observe, and yet they plan by-elections that are not planned? The ECN’s chief executive must be fired. The ECN must find money to send these political parties,” he said.

The parties say if the ECN insists on this, they will mobilise their supporters so that no elections take place.

The ECN on Monday announced it has awarded the printing of ballot papers to a South African company called Uniprint Global at a cost of N$4.8 million for the regional council and local authority elections.

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