Electoral Commission of Namibia urges political parties to reject violence and hate speech ahead of 2024 elections

The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has cautioned political parties against any form of violence and hate speech after recent “worrying” incidents.

ECN chairperson Elsie Nghikembua yesterday in Windhoek said the commission has observed worrying acts of violence and hate speech during political campaigns in some parts of the country.

Nghikembua was speaking at a public sitting for the submission of nominations of candidates and political parties for the 2024 presidential and National Assembly elections.

“This has the potential to negatively affect the electoral democracy we have embraced over the years as a peace-loving nation,” she said.

Nghikembua advised political parties to encourage their supporters to avoid resorting to political violence.

The ECN published a new code of conduct for political parties and organisations in September, stipulating they may not use any form of violence.

This code is yet to be signed by political parties.

“A political party and a political organisation and its candidates, members and supporters, may not use hateful language, including speeches, songs and slogans which incites violence to any individual or group,” the code says.

These violent incidents include a Mix settlement resident slapping a Swapo coordinator on the outskirts of Windhoek four months ago.
In another incident, members of Swapo and the Landless People’s Movement reportedly clashed at Mariental last week.

This occurred when a convoy of Swapo supporters was allegedly blocked by their political rivals who were putting up campaign flags.

A vehicle belonging to Swapo member Botha Basson was allegedly damaged in the confrontation.

An incident allegedly involving a Swapo member driving into a crowd of Independent Patriots for Change supporters at Outapi in July, injuring one, has also been widely condemned.

The driver, Kavila Kautwima (73), was arrested after Risto Shekudja sustained an open wound to his knee and dislocated his kneecap.