By Ebi Kesiena
Namibia’s main opposition party, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), has announced plans to file a legal challenge against the results of the disputed presidential and parliamentary elections held on November 27.
This move follows a court decision on Friday granting the IPC and another opposition party permission to inspect election materials. Both groups allege irregularities in the polls, which saw the ruling South West Africa People’s Party (SWAPO) extend its 34-year grip on power.
The IPC claims the electoral data, including records of votes cast and counted at each polling station, will support their allegations. They plan to file their challenge by December 23, seeking to invalidate the election results.
The elections faced logistical challenges, including a shortage of ballot papers and technical problems that caused delays in some areas.
Despite these issues, the electoral commission declared the polls free and fair. President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah dismissed the allegations and is set to take office in March, making history as Namibia’s first female president.
