Mixed feelings in Namibia a day after controversial elections: Video
Namibian electorates have expressed a range of emotions following elections marked by chaos, delays, and allegations of foul play.
The controversial extension of the voting period has led to widespread frustration, with many questioning the credibility of the process.
In Windhoek, residents voiced their concerns about irregularities during the elections. Felix Komeheke, a resident, lamented missing ballot papers, saying,
"On the ballot papers that just got missing at the polling station, we are saying our system is failing the nation, and to tell you the truth, we are not happy at all. So what do we want? What we want is fairness," he told the AFP.
Elifas Kambariua described the elections as unprecedentedly problematic, highlighting the abnormality of extending voting days.
"We cannot say that this election at all was free and fair because there were a lot of hiccups, a lot a lot a lot. It is the first time elections have been extended to three days or two days to hold again; it is abnormal. And we feel that these elections must start fresh. It is not fair at all,” he said.
However, not all sentiments were negative, as another resident, Henrick Dywne, acknowledged that while the process was peaceful, improvements were necessary.
"The voting process in Namibia was good, but next time, they must give us two days to vote because the queues were so long," he suggested.
Meanwhile, Panduleni Itula, leader of the opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), declared that his party would not accept the election results. Speaking on the final day of voting, Itula accused the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) of undermining the rule of law.
"The rule of law has been grossly violated, and we cannot call these elections free, fair, or legitimate," Itula stated. The IPC is seeking to end SWAPO's 34-year dominance in Namibian politics.
Partial results from 10 out of 121 constituencies show SWAPO's candidate, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, leading with 48% of the vote, followed by Itula with 29%.
