NEFF wants elections postponed amid tender-corruption allegations

The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) wants the Namibian government to postpone the upcoming elections.

This is after the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) awarded a ballot printing tender to the controversial South African-based company, Ren-Form CC.

“Until Namibians are guaranteed a credible, transparent and free election, we demand a postponement of the current election date,” NEFF deputy president Kalimbo Iipumbu says.

This comes after revelations that Ren-Form was at the centre of a N$570-million invoice inflation tender during Zimbabwe’s 2023 election, which was won by Zanu-PF.

The same company that provided the ballot papers via emergency procurement in Zimbabwe also won the bid through the same process in Namibia, raising concerns.

Iipumbu called for the tender to be revoked and a transparent public bidding process to be reinstated.

“The ECN must explain its abrupt change in process and provide evidence that it is acting independently, without interference from foreign entities or corrupt influences.

“A failure by the ECN to heed these demands will be met by national demonstrations, which will likely unite Namibians across the political divide and possibly make the holding of this election difficult,” he says.

“We warn the masses of our people that this is a deliberate attempt by the ECN and Swapo to rig the upcoming election through a flawed and compromised tendering process,” he says.

Iipumbu also called on Namibians to reject the “betrayal” of the country’s democracy.

“We must rise and reject the betrayal of our democracy, as corrupt networks from Zimbabwe and South Africa attempt to interfere in our sovereign electoral process.

“The NEFF remains steadfast in its commitment to defend Namibia’s democracy and will not rest until the will of the people prevails.

We call on all freedom-loving Namibians to be vigilant and stand against this undemocratic capture of our elections. And we warn those who seek to undermine the will of the people that the NEFF will not flinch nor hesitate to confront injustice with the force it deserves,” he adds.

The emergency tender awarded to Ren-Form reportedly involves the design, printing, packaging and distribution of ballot papers for the upcoming presidential and National Assembly elections.