Request to pause court proceedings childish – Seibeb

Former Landless People’s Movement (LPM) deputy leader Henny Seibeb says the LPM’s approach to justice is “immature, wrong and poorly considered”.

This comes after advocate Raymond Heathcote, representing president Nangolo Mbumba, opposed an application by the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and the LPM to put court proceedings in the ongoing National Assembly election results challenge on hold.

Seibeb, who is now a Swapo member, says the party’s actions are “unnecessary irritants”.

“I’m not saying they should be denied access to justice, but their approach is completely wrong, immature, and poorly thought out,” he says.

He says the LPM risks damaging Namibia’s reputation on the international stage.

“I agree with advocate Heathcote’s frustration regarding the LPM’s late filings and disorganised applications, which make Namibia’s image look questionable, especially considering the challenges faced by countries like Mozambique,” Seibeb says.

He says the LPM is “playing childish politics”.

“Their request to pause court proceedings seems like a pointless attempt to play childish politics in a place as serious and respectful as the court,” he says.

Seibeb says demanding fresh elections on 19 March further casts doubt on the party’s credibility.

“Democratic legitimacy is essential for a country’s development,” he says.

BACKGROUND

In both of its election challenges, the IPC is targeting the proclamation through which president Nangolo Mbumba extended voting in the National Assembly and presidential polls.

The elections were initially scheduled to take place only on 27 November, before Mbumba extended voting to 29 and 30 November.

The IPC is asking the Electoral Court to declare Mbumba’s proclamation as inconsistent with the Constitution and the Electoral Act, and as invalid.

The party is also asking the court to declare that votes cast in the National Assembly election on 29 and 30 November and the conduct of the election were inconsistent with the Constitution and the Electoral Act, and invalid.

The president did not have the power to extend the elections, the IPC is claiming in documents filed at the Electoral Court and the Supreme Court.

LPM RESPONDS

Responding to Seibeb’s allegations, LPM spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa said the party is using the appropriate channels to address matters of national concern.

“Using the judiciary and the legal channels is the expected and appropriate manner and should be seen as a shining example when it comes to the reputation of Namibia,” he said.

He said Seibeb places international appearances over seeking justice.

“Nations have fallen apart, and have had civil wars due to elections and their outcome. We are showing the world that we are able to challenge election outcomes in court.

“This should be valued and seen as a testament to our courts and show that our government presents itself as a functioning government. Something to be applauded and not seen as a negative,” he said.

Simataa said Seibeb holds no legal qualification to comment on the matter.

“The criticism isn’t based on merit or insight, and would be an expected expression of an ordinary Swapo member. We can’t assume this is an objective, credible or insightful criticism,” he said.

He said the court arguments are flawed.

The Electoral Court earlier this week ordered that the IPC’s legal challenge of Namibia’s 2024 National Assembly election results should not proceed until the Supreme Court has decided a similar case about the 2024 presidential election.

The court made the order at the end of a ruling read by judge Hannelie Prinsloo in the Windhoek High Court on Monday.