NEFF challenges ECN’s election readiness despite SADC electoral mission’s endorsement

The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) has objected to the endorsement of the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries (ECF-SADC) that the ECN is ready to conduct elections.

The ECF-SADC last week conducted a pre-election assessment on the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) and concluded that it was ready to conduct elections.

However, in a statement issued on Sunday, NEFF deputy leader Kalimbo Iipumbu said the playing field is not level because his party is yet to be recognised by the ECN, despite a High Court judgement.

NEFF took the ECN to court to argue that its deregistration was carried out without the party being given a chance to be heard.

The court found in NEFF’s favour after the ECN accused the party of failing to publish its audited accounting records.

In the wake of the High Court victory and as the elections loom, NEFF continues to be in limbo after the ECN announced that it is still studying the judgement.

“We have witnessed a deliberate delay intended to short-change and undermine NEFF’s mobilisation efforts ahead of these critical polls,” said Iipumbu.

He emphasised that the delay is not merely bureaucratic, it is a calculated act that has denied NEFF’s leadership the right to serve in parliament and hinders the party’s ability to campaign effectively.

“Its egregious aim has been to punish the NEFF in a manner that is both vile and cruel, going against the foundational principles of our democracy.

It is tragic that the ECF-SADC has failed to recognise this and proceeded to declare that Namibia is ready for elections,” he said.
Iipumbu claimed that the ECN’s continued study of the court judgement is intended to make it difficult for NEFF to prepare for the elections adequately and in time.

He also said the ECN has so far failed to release NEFF’s funds which are needed to mobilise their election campaign.

ECN spokesperson Mulauli Siluka did not respond to questions sent regarding NEFF’s statement at the time of publication.