Nandi-Ndaitwah Denies Claims of Zimbabwean Interference in Namibian Elections

Namibia’s President-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has refuted claims that Zimbabwe interfered in the country’s recent elections, labeled by opposition parties as influence from Zanu-PF. Allegations stem from logistical issues observed during the election, which opposition leaders argue suppressed voter turnout. Nandi-Ndaitwah called the accusations baseless, emphasizing the importance of integrity in the electoral process, while Zanu-PF representatives also rejected the charges as unfounded.

Namibia’s President-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has rejected accusations suggesting that Zimbabwe meddled in the recent presidential and National Assembly elections. Opposition parties, including the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), Landless People’s Movement (LPM), Affirmative Repositioning (AR), All People’s Party (APP), and Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), alleged that the ruling Zanu-PF party of Zimbabwe influenced the electoral outcome favoring the Swapo party. However, these parties did not provide substantiated evidence to support their claims.

LPM leader Ivan Skrywer drew parallels between the alleged ballot shortages in Namibia and the supposed electoral manipulation tactics employed by Zanu-PF in Zimbabwe, stating, “If we look at the election results in Zimbabwe last year, this was the tactic used on day one.” IPC spokesperson Imms Nashinge questioned Zimbabwe’s interest in Namibian affairs, remarking, “How do they know? Is Namibia a province of Zimbabwe?”

In response, Nandi-Ndaitwah condemned the allegations as unfounded and an attempt to tarnish the Swapo party’s reputation. She emphasized that those making these claims are fully aware of their falsehood, urging investigative journalists to thoroughly explore the matter. Furthermore, she described the allegations as part of a conspiracy to confuse the populace.

Namibia’s recent electoral process faced significant logistical issues, including the unavailability of sufficient ballots and equipment malfunctions, which resulted in delays and long queues at polling stations. Critics assert that these troubles contributed to a lower voter turnout, particularly in the Khomas region, and questioned the legitimacy of extending voting days without proper justification. Despite the outcry, both Zanu-PF and Swapo representatives have denied any misconduct, with Zanu-PF’s secretary-general Obert Mpofu dismissing the opposition’s allegations as indicative of “primitive thinking.”

The article addresses the controversy surrounding the recent elections in Namibia, stemming from allegations made by opposition parties about potential interference by Zimbabwean political forces, specifically the ruling Zanu-PF party. Such claims emerged following logistical complications during the electoral process, including ballot shortages. This situation has led to concerns over the integrity of the election results and raised questions about Namibia’s electoral management. The tensions reflect broader political dynamics in Southern Africa.

In conclusion, the allegations of Zimbabwean interference in Namibia’s elections have been firmly denied by President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and dismissed by officials from both Swapo and Zanu-PF. The situation has highlighted logistical deficiencies in Namibia’s electoral process and the challenges faced by opposition parties in substantiating their claims. As the political landscape evolves, the need for transparent electoral practices remains crucial to maintaining public trust and democratic integrity in the region.

Original Source: newscentral.africa