Namibian Court Grants Opposition Access to Election Data Amid Fraud Allegations

Namibia’s electoral court has granted two opposition parties, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and the Landless People’s Movement, permission to inspect election materials following their claims of irregularities in the November 27 elections. The ruling SWAPO party won both the presidential and parliamentary polls, extending its 34-year dominance. However, the opposition alleges flaws in the election process, citing extended voting periods, which the country’s electoral commission implemented due to ballot shortages and technical challenges. The IPC stated that access to the requested data, including the number of votes cast and counted at each polling unit, would help with their evaluation of the alleged irregularities. Consequently, it will inform their decision on whether to challenge the election’s validity. Meanwhile, the electoral commission maintains that the election was free and fair. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the President-elect, has also dismissed the allegations, stating that she is not paying attention to the critics.

SOURCE: REUTERS