Electoral commission denies corrupt election recruitment process

The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has denied allegations that it is employing corrupt tactics in the recruitment of registration/polling officials for voter registration and the November elections. 

This after activist Michael Amushelelo took to social media on Monday to allege that the ECN is employing “rampant corruption” tactics. He claimed that those working for the ECN are busy making way for their family members to work during the registration of voters.

“It has also been brought to my attention that people currently working have put in leave in order to also work for ECN, while we have millions of unemployed Namibians. The chairperson of ECN is hereby directed to halt the entire requirement process and immediately investigate this matter,” Amushelelo said.

The ECN on Monday issued a statement to refute Amushelelo’s claims, saying the organisation adheres to its policies and procedures.

“The commission takes all allegations of corruption seriously and can assure the public that the recruitment process for registration/polling officials was conducted in a transparent and merit-based manner,” noted the ECN.The ECN advertised positions for election officials from 18 March to 8 April, including roles like registration/polling officers, youth ambassadors, information technology technicians, logistics officers and administrative officers for the registration of voters and polling process.

Qualified unemployed Namibian citizens were invited to apply and required to submit a police declaration proving non-affiliation with political parties.

The ECN said non-compliance or false representation would lead to disqualification or withdrawal of appointment.

The ECN received 82 976 applications but only requires 3 280 officials for the voter registration process, as well as an additional 16 000 officials for polling.

Shortlisting for polling officials is expected to start after the voter registration process concludes.

All shortlisted applicants were contacted for training, which began on Monday, to assess their skills and abilities for electoral duties.