IPC blasts intimidation as elections near

The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) is condemning political intimidation as parties gear up for election campaigning.

Party secretary general Christine Aochamus at a press conference yesterday also condemned intentional misinformation, violence, sabotage and propaganda.

She urged the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) to ensure that the upcoming elections are free, fair and transparent.

“As we earnestly push a gear in election campaigning, we urge all political actors, including the media, to abide by the code of conduct,” she said.

The Electoral Court has thrown out a case in which the IPC wanted the ECN to be ordered to provide it with a legal opinion on the legality of dual election candidates.

This involves a candidate in a presidential election also being a candidate in a National Assembly election.

Aochamus made these comments against the background of a Swapo member allegedly driving into a crowd of IPC supporters at Outapi, injuring one person, last month.

‘ALL ABOUT TRUST’

Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah says it is vital for the integrity of the democratic process that all political actors adhere to the ECN’s code of conduct.

Leaders slam ‘political violence’ at IPC rally

“Parties need to avoid any form of intimidation, misinformation, violence, sabotage, or propaganda. Upholding these principles is crucial for fostering trust in the electoral system and ensuring that the will of the people is accurately represented,” he says.

Kamwanyah says the ECN should work closely with law-enforcement agencies to monitor and address any breaches of the code of conduct.

“They need to ensure perpetrators face appropriate legal consequences,” he says.

“The ECN should also inform the public of their rights and responsibilities, as well as the importance of a peaceful and honest electoral process,” he says.

Political analyst Henning Melber says the ECN has no authority to prosecute when a violation of regulations or even criminal acts are committed in the name of parties or by party officials and representatives.

“It is a matter for the police and a court for judges to deal with,” he says.

Melber says the only punishment the ECN has is to deregister parties if they do not comply with formal prerequisites.

“The ECN itself is accountable and has faced court rulings in which it was instructed to abide by the electoral law. But that is a different matter,” he says.

Melber says a safe and fair election can only be ensured by the parties participating.

“It is beyond the mandate and means of the ECN to ensure a safe election.”