Namibia’s November 2020 election sparked a wave of protests from the main opposition party, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC). After a court ruling allowing the IPC and another opposition party to examine election materials, the IPC announced its intention to challenge the results of the election. The presidential and parliamentary elections were won by the ruling party of 34 years, the South West Africa People’s Party (SWAPO).
The protests are based on allegations of irregularities during the November 27 vote. Issues such as ballot shortages and technical difficulties led to some polling stations being kept open for up to three days in some areas. Despite these problems, the Namibian Electoral Commission declared the vote free and fair.
Access to the election data will allow the IPC to strengthen its claims and prepare a legal challenge scheduled for December 23, challenging the validity of the poll. The requested documentation includes the number of votes cast and counted at each polling station.
President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who will be the country’s first female president when he takes office in March, has rejected accusations of election dysfunction.
This raises questions about the transparency and legitimacy of Namibia’s elections, highlighting the importance of upholding democratic standards to ensure the credibility of electoral processes. It is essential that citizens have confidence in their democratic institutions to ensure fair and equitable representation in their government.