Namibia’s President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has rejected allegations from opposition parties that Zimbabwe interfered in Namibia’s recent elections. The opposition cited logistical issues and a purported influence from Zimbabwe’s Zanu-PF party, which they linked to the outcome favoring the ruling Swapo party. Nandi-Ndaitwah called the claims unfounded and urged for independent investigations into the matter.
Namibia’s first female President-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has categorically dismissed allegations of Zimbabwe’s interference in the nation’s recent presidential and National Assembly elections. These claims, primarily originating from five Namibian opposition parties, assert that Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party had an influence on the election outcomes, which resulted in a victory for the ruling Swapo party. Opposition parties, including the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), Landless People’s Movement (LPM), Affirmative Repositioning (AR), All People’s Party (APP), and Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), voiced their concerns without presenting substantial evidence to support their assertions regarding Zanu-PF’s involvement.
LPM leader Ivan Skrywer drew parallels between challenges faced during Namibian voting, such as ballot paper shortages, and strategies allegedly employed by Zanu-PF to skew election results in Zimbabwe. He remarked, “If we look at the election results in Zimbabwe last year, this was the tactic used on day one.” Furthermore, IPC spokesperson Imms Nashinge expressed skepticism about Swapo’s victory, questioning how Zimbabwean officials could have prematurely announced the results. He posed, “How do they know? Is Namibia a province of Zimbabwe? Since when has Zimbabwe had so much interest in our affairs?”
In response to these accusations, Nandi-Ndaitwah characterized the allegations as unfounded and a strategic conspiracy intended to undermine Swapo’s credibility. Speaking from Windhoek, she encouraged investigative journalists to pursue these assertions, asserting, “Those saying it, they know it’s not true, but they are saying it deliberately to confuse our people.”
The electoral process in Namibia faced substantial logistical challenges, including ballot shortages and equipment malfunctions, resulting in long queues and voting delays. Opposition figures contended that these logistical issues adversely affected voter turnout, especially in the Khomas region. Critiques have also been directed towards Namibia’s Electoral Commission for its evident lack of preparation and the legality of extending the voting period by two days. Despite all accusations, officials from both Zanu-PF and Swapo have denied any misconduct, with Zanu-PF secretary-general Obert Mpofu labeling the claims as “primitive thinking.”
The political landscape in Namibia has been tumultuous, particularly with allegations surrounding external interference in elections. Following the recent presidential and National Assembly elections, claims from opposition parties regarding Zimbabwe’s involvement surfaced, reflecting ongoing tensions and skepticism related to electoral integrity. The claims come amidst logistical challenges faced during voting, including ballot shortages, which opposition parties assert may have influenced election outcomes. Understanding the implications of these allegations is crucial in the context of southern African politics, especially considering historical ties between Namibia and Zimbabwe.
In conclusion, the allegations of Zimbabwean interference in Namibia’s electoral process have been vigorously denied by President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who views them as a baseless conspiracy aimed at causing confusion. The opposition, while raising concerns about election logistics and outcomes, has yet to provide solid evidence for its claims. The situation remains a focal point in Namibian political discourse, highlighting ongoing challenges within the electoral system and calls for improved transparency and organization in future elections.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
