Lessons from Namibia’s Elections and Anti-Corruption Efforts

Namibia’s elections, held on 27 November, brought key issues to the forefront – not just logistical delays and extended voting hours, but deeper challenges tied to trust in institutions.

Voters queued for hours, frustrations ran high and questions arose about the effectiveness and robustness of our systems.

While the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) worked to address the issues, the fallout serves as a reminder: Public trust in any institution depends on transparency, efficiency and fairness.

These lessons extend beyond elections and resonate with the fight against corruption across Africa.

A 2022 article by Mohammed VS Ashraf Khan, CFE, published in Fraud Magazine, highlighted systemic challenges faced by anti-corruption agencies (ACAs), including inefficiencies, lack of resources and political interference.

These issues mirror those encountered in Namibia’s electoral system, underscoring the importance of robust institutions and ethical leadership.
 
SYSTEMS UNDER STRAIN
 
The logistical challenges of the elections reflect common issues faced by anti-corruption agencies across Africa.

Both systems depend on public trust, adequate resources and efficient processes.

When these elements falter, the consequences are far-reaching.

• * Efficiency and Preparedness: Poor logistical planning during elections mirrors the struggles of under-resourced ACAs.

Weak systems – whether in elections or governance – erode trust and harm legitimacy.

• * Public Confidence Matters: Just as voters lose faith in delayed elections, citizens’ trust in anti-corruption bodies diminishes when cases linger or go unresolved.
• * Ethical Leadership Is Crucial: Leadership defines the success of institutions.

Without accountability and integrity at the top, inefficiencies and mistrust thrive.

ANTI-CORRUPTION CASE STUDIES
 
The 2022 Association of Certified Fraud Examiners case study examined the growth of ACAs across Africa and their struggles with independence, resource constraints and political interference.

These lessons are directly relevant to Namibia’s current challenges.

1. * Capacity-Building Is Key: Agencies like Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission made strides by investing in forensic experts and modern tools.

Similarly, Namibia’s systems need skilled personnel and technological upgrades.

2. * Transparency Drives Accountability: South Africa’s specialised corruption courts reduced delays and improved outcomes.
   Namibia could adopt similar measures for electoral and governance systems.
3. * Leadership Shapes Outcomes: Decisive, ethical leadership – as seen in Tanzania under John Magufuli – builds trust and ensures efficiency.

Leaders must set the tone for transparency.
 
SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES
 
Systemic inefficiencies and corruption have far-reaching socio-economic impacts:

 * Lost Economic Growth: Corruption costs sub-Saharan Africa US$88.6 (approximately N$1.6 trillion) billion annually in illicit capital flight. Inefficiencies deter investment, reduce job creation, and hinder progress.

• * Erosion of Public Services: Resources lost to corruption mean less funding for health care, education and infrastructure, disproportionately affecting the vulnerable.
• * Weakened Civic Engagement: When systems fail, citizens disengage. Lower voter turnout and reduced compliance weaken democracy and governance.

For Namibia, where economic inequality remains a challenge, addressing these issues is critical.

Strengthening trust in systems can improve public services and foster national growth.
 
A PATH FORWARD
 
Namibia can learn from these lessons and implement actionable steps to strengthen trust and transparency:

1. * Invest in Resources and Training: Equip institutions with the skills, tools and funding needed for efficient operations.
2. * Foster Collaboration: Partnerships between government, civil society and international organisations can create resilient systems.
3. * Promote Ethical Leadership: Leaders must model accountability and integrity, setting the standard for others.
4. * Engage the Public: Educate citizens about their role in holding institutions accountable.

Awareness campaigns can inspire greater participation and demand for transparency.
 
BUILDING TRUST

Namibia’s elections highlighted the cost of inefficiency and the importance of trust.

But they also present an opportunity to rebuild systems and strengthen institutions for the public good.

These lessons apply not only to elections but to every process shaping our nation’s future.

By addressing these challenges now, Namibia can lay the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous society.

It’s time to prioritise accountability, transparency, and collaboration, ensuring that every Namibian benefits from fair and efficient systems.

• • Melanie Meiring is a certified fraud examiner. Email: soa.windhoek@gmail.com