Swapo has endorsed Gerson Sindano as its preferred candidate for the position of chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN).
Sindano, who was appointed as an ECN commissioner in August 2022, is set to replace current chairperson Elsie Nghikembua if his nomination is approved.
Nghikembua, who has served as an ECN commissioner since October 2016 and as chairperson since September 2021, is due to complete her term as chairperson this year.
Sindano is an academic with a combined 14 years of research, teaching and administration experience at the University of Namibia (Unam) and at secondary school level.
He is currently a senior lecturer in language development at the Unam.
He holds a doctorate in English (rhetorical) studies, a master of arts in English studies, a bachelor of English (honours) degree, and a bachelor of education degree.
The endorsement was contained in a motion tabled by Swapo parliamentarian Pohamba Shifeta in the National Assembly last week.
Also nominated for consideration are Emmerentia Leonard, who is being considered for reappointment, and Julieta Ferreira as commissioners.
National Assembly spokesperson Sakeus Kadhikwa confirmed over the weekend that the two nominated commissioners emerged as the successful candidates following recommendations by the selection panel.
“They were the successful candidates as per the panel that recommended them to parliament before endorsement by the president,” Kadhikwa says.
The candidates were selected after public interviews conducted at the National Council chambers recently.
Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Elvis Lizazi says the proposed appointments comply with the law.
He notes that Article 94B of the Constitution provides for five ECN commissioners, including the chairperson, who are appointed by the president with the approval of the National Assembly for a five-year term.
Lizazi says Section 10(2) of the Electoral Commission Act allows commissioners to apply for reappointment, provided they do not serve more than two terms.
“With these provisions, the anticipated appointments are within the scope of the law,” he says.
Lizazi also stresses the importance of maintaining institutional memory within the ECN, particularly following challenges experienced during the November 2024 presidential and National Assembly elections.
“Elections are very sensitive and require individuals with experience in managing electoral processes,” he says.
He adds that as long as none of the commissioners exceeds the two-term limit, he sees no issue with the proposed appointments.
