Electoral Commission of Namibia defends decision to grant ballot printing tender to controversial South African company

The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has defended its decision to award a ballot printing tender to the controversial South African company, Ren-Form CC.

This follows widespread outrage from political parties after the company was selected to print ballot papers for Namibia’s presidential and National Assembly elections in November.

The ECN says Ren-Form, which has links to controversial Zimbabwean businessman and socialite Wicknell Chivayo, boasts 20 years of printing the ballot in over 70 countries in Africa.

Widespread investigative stories, however, link the company to invoice inflation during the 2023 Zimbabwe elections.

The scandal has been the subject of investigations by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission. It also led to a public fallout between Chivayo and his business associates, after he reportedly failed to share the spoils in the aftermath of the Zimbabwean elections, according to leaked letters.

However, the ECN insists there is nothing amiss about its selection of the family-owned company.

The ECN also asserts that it holds sole discretion when making procurement decisions.

“The ECN unequivocally refutes the malicious and baseless allegations being circulated regarding the award of the contract for the procurement of ballot papers for the November 2024 elections, as announced on 17 October,” notes the ECN.

According to the ECN, the allegations, intended to discredit the commission and undermine public confidence in the electoral process, are false and misleading.

“Such unfounded claims are made to cast a shadow on the integrity of Namibia’s electoral system, which the commission will not allow. As the election season unfolds, we note the deliberate spread of misinformation aimed at creating confusion and sowing distrust. The commission firmly asserts that our procurement processes are fully transparent and compliant with all relevant legal frameworks,” notes the ECN.

Following its decision to award the contract, valued at N$6.2 million, Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani took to social media to announce that a public demonstration will be held next week to protest the move.

The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters demanded the cancellation of the tender and threatened to take to the streets, while a lawyer for the Landless People’s Movement, Patrick Kauta, wrote to the ECN to demand an explanation on why emergency procurement was chosen, within seven days.

The Independent Patriots for Change has asked for a full disclosure of how this decision was reached.

Meanwhile, the ECN insists that it is fully committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

“The decision to award the contract to Ren-Form CC was made following a thorough and rigorous evaluation process that adhered to the laws governing procurement. Factors considered included compliance with technical requirements, cost-effectiveness, reliability and the ability to meet strict timelines.

“To be clear and set the record straight: the total cost of this contract is N$6 259 686 – far from the grossly inflated and fictitious figure of N$1 billion being circulated in certain media reports,” notes the ECN.

“Additionally, Ren-Form CC is a South African company, not a Zimbabwean company, and boasts a solid track record of printing ballot papers for over 70 elections on the continent in the past 20 years. The commission reiterates that the procurement process for the ballot papers was conducted in strict adherence to the Public Procurement Act, No. 15 of 2015, as amended.

“We emphasise that the authority to make procurement decisions lies solely with the commission and not with any contesting political party or external influence. Attempts to suggest otherwise are entirely false and meant to distract from the real issue – ensuring the timely and secure preparation of our national election,” says the ECN.

The commission has challenged any party or individual with concrete evidence of wrongdoing, to present it through the appropriate channels.

“The commission will not tolerate baseless accusations meant to discredit our work. As we approach the elections, we urge all Namibians to remain vigilant and informed by relying on credible, verified information. It is the collective responsibility of every citizen to help maintain the integrity of our democratic processes,” the ECN adds.