‘It’s Swapo propaganda’

… IPC responds to claims of being funded by the British government

Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has dismissed suggestions that it is being funded by the British government as ‘Swapo propaganda’.

IPC national general secretary Christine !Aochamus said yesterday Swapo are creating propaganda to tarnish their name.

“The IPC has become a threat to the opponents. Swapo has failed to convince the electorate with policies and structures,” she said.

“The outgoing administration must demonstrate to the electorate why they want to remain in power and not waste our time with useless rookie propaganda; it further magnifies their incompetence,” !Aochamus added.

She noted that both the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology have remained silent on such serious allegations concerning Namibia’s sovereignty.

!Aochamus said the party was founded on the principle of rule of law, a principle it has upheld since its formation.

“IPC’s strength comes from real Namibians: teachers tired of packed classrooms, youth hunting for jobs that don’t exist, parents watching their qualified kids depressed at home with no jobs. These are our real backers, not some foreign power,” she explained.

!Aochamus said her party is focused on getting the youth working, and fighting corruption, among others.

“Why these fake stories now, weeks before voting? Simple – they know Namibians are waking up to real democracy,” she said.

MISDIRECTION

Swapo Party Youth League secretary Ephraim Nekongo yesterday rejected the “unfounded” accusations from the IPC regarding the spread of propaganda.

“We (Swapo) pride ourselves on being a responsible and transparent political entity, dedicated to advancing our vision and campaigning vigorously for our presidential candidate, comrade Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah,” he said.

Nekongo said it is evident the IPC is the party actively engaged in propaganda, attempting to mislead the public and divert attention from their own campaign strategies.

“A simple review of the social media activities of IPC leaders … clearly illustrates who is truly behind the misinformation campaigns,” he said.

Nekongo said Swapo’s commitment is to the people of Namibia, “and we urge all citizens to focus on the issues that matter.”

“Our priority is to foster unity and promote our message of progress and empowerment.

We call upon all Namibians to exercise their democratic rights and cast their votes on 27 November.

This election is crucial – not just for our party, but for the future of our nation as we stand on the brink of electing our first woman president,” he said.

Nekongo urged party members not be swayed by IPC’s divisive tactics or disinformation.

“Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive Namibia.

Let’s defeat those who seek to undermine our collective progress. Together, we will forge a path towards a brighter future for all Namibians,” he said.

PROPER CHANNELS

Meanwhile, foreign policy analyst Marius Kudumo said yesterday Africans and African leaders must determine their own futures without direct or indirect interference from anyone.

“It should not be a surprise as we come closer to election day to hear and read different stories, including bizarre stories and misrepresentations about contesting presidential candidates and political parties,” he said.

Kudumo said these stories are intended to influence the outcome of the election, because voting is emotional as well as rational. He also cautioned the public to be informed about the nature of the relationships between states.

“States have established protocols and diplomatic channels through which they interact in bilateral and interstate relations. Definitely not through the media,” he said.

“It is important to inform members of the public that, in terms of the Electoral Act, receiving and accepting foreign funding or donations by political parties, organisations or persons is not necessarily an offence provided that such funds and their sources are disclosed to the ECN,” he added.

Kudumo advised that Namibia should strengthen legal instruments, and disclosure and accountability mechanisms for dealing with political party funding and public disclosure.

‘NO PROOF’

In July, a document circulated on social media platforms alleging that £750 000 and a fleet of vehicles had been provided to the IPC through Itula.

The British high commissioner to Namibia, Charles Moore, denied allegations that the United Kingdom (UK) provided financial support to the IPC.

IPC spokesperson Imms Nashinge announced that Moore addressed the matter in a letter sent to the IPC leader.

The latest suggestion of links between the UK government and the IPC comes amid ongoing tensions and accusations of foreign interference in Namibia’s political landscape ahead of the 27 November presidential and National Assembly elections.

According to Nashinge, the claims were fabricated by third parties aiming to misinform and discredit the party.

Earlier this year, he said no funds from any foreign or internal source have ever been transferred to either the IPC or Itula’s bank accounts.

“The IPC calls upon those leaders of political parties, who allege directly or indirectly in reliance on propaganda, to provide objective evidence,” said Nashinge.