Zero tolerance for poll irregularities

POLICE have declared a zero tolerance approach to any misconduct as Namibians head for polling stations today to elect the country’s second President.

Commissioner James Tjivikua said the Namibian Police were ready for any challenges posed by political parties or their supporters who violated the Code of Conduct of the elections. “We have declared zero tolerance towards those who violate the Code of Conduct before, during and after the elections,” he said.No gross human rights violations were reported in past elections.Tjivikua said the Police wanted to keep it that way.”We know that criminals are innovative but we will be on the lookout.We will ensure that maximum protection is given to the election results centre,” he said.The Code of Conduct signed by political parties stipulates that all allegations of intimidation and other unlawful conduct should be brought to the attention of the Police and the Electoral Commission of Namibia at the places where they occur.The parties also undertook to refrain from using public address systems, either fixed or mobile, between 21h00 and 07h00 because it could constitute a public nuisance.It urges all leaders to ensure reasonable freedom of access by all parties to potential voters, including those on farms and on State-owned property after work hours.The parties agreed to establish lines of communication to one another at headquarters and regional and local level and appoint liaison personnel who will be constantly on call to deal with any problems that may arise.Tjivikua also called on foreign and local election observers to contact station commanders once they are in their areas, to ensure that the Police are aware of their presence and can provide protection whenever needed.”We have declared zero tolerance towards those who violate the Code of Conduct before, during and after the elections,” he said.No gross human rights violations were reported in past elections.Tjivikua said the Police wanted to keep it that way.”We know that criminals are innovative but we will be on the lookout.We will ensure that maximum protection is given to the election results centre,” he said.The Code of Conduct signed by political parties stipulates that all allegations of intimidation and other unlawful conduct should be brought to the attention of the Police and the Electoral Commission of Namibia at the places where they occur.The parties also undertook to refrain from using public address systems, either fixed or mobile, between 21h00 and 07h00 because it could constitute a public nuisance.It urges all leaders to ensure reasonable freedom of access by all parties to potential voters, including those on farms and on State-owned property after work hours.The parties agreed to establish lines of communication to one another at headquarters and regional and local level and appoint liaison personnel who will be constantly on call to deal with any problems that may arise.Tjivikua also called on foreign and local election observers to contact station commanders once they are in their areas, to ensure that the Police are aware of their presence and can provide protection whenever needed.