Namibia’s Election in Crisis

Namibia’s 2024 general election has been extended amid widespread logistical failures, sparking accusations of voter suppression from opposition parties. 

Initially scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, 27 November,voting at 36 polling stations was prolonged to Saturday, 30 November, due to shortages of ballot papers, overheating of voter verification tablets, and inadequate communication from the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN).

These issues led to long queues, with some voters abandoning their attempts to cast ballots.

The opposition, led by the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), accused the ECN of intentionally frustrating voters to favour the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO).

IPC leader Panduleni Itula declared his party would not recognise the results, stating: “The rule of law has been grossly violated, and we cannot call these elections by any means or measure as free, fair and legitimate.”. 

Meanwhile, opposition figures called for annulment or re-runs, with some suggesting deliberate efforts to suppress opposition turnout.

SWAPO, which has ruled the country since Namibia’s independence in 1990, faces its toughest electoral challenge yet. Its candidate, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, could become Namibia’s first female president but may face a second-round run-off if she fails to secure a majority vote.

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