The Supreme Court of Namibia has dismissed the IPC’s request to annul the results of the 2024 presidential election following extensions. SWAPO party emerged victorious, with Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the next president. The court found the voting extension lawful and urged acceptance of constitutional authority. Experts note that uniform extensions could have lessened election validity concerns.
Namibia’s Supreme Court has rejected a request from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) to nullify the chaotic 2024 presidential elections, which saw two extensions of voting due to logistical issues. The ruling SWAPO party, in power since 1990, won the elections, and the IPC does not accept the results, arguing that President Nangolo Mbumba exceeded his authority in extending the voting period.
Chief Justice Peter Shivute stated that the court found Mbumba’s extension of voting days on the Electoral Commission’s advice was lawful. He asserted that the extension allowed disenfranchised voters to participate and did not constitute a new election. SWAPO’s candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, is set to become Namibia’s first female president after winning 57% of the votes.
IPC presidential candidate Panduleni Itula acknowledged the court’s ruling, advocating for unity and acceptance of constitutional authority, emphasizing that ongoing blame would hinder Namibia’s development. The court also ordered both political parties to share the costs of the legal proceedings, which was seen as an effort to maintain political stability amidst lingering doubts about the election’s integrity.
Experts suggest that had the voting extension applied uniformly, many suspicions surrounding the election legitimacy might have been alleviated. This decision reinforces the power of constitutional authority while also highlighting the challenges faced during the electoral process in Namibia.
The Supreme Court of Namibia dismissed the IPC’s bid to annul presidential election results, asserting the legality of the voting extension. Resulting in SWAPO’s victory and the future leadership of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the court emphasized the need for acceptance of authority and shared costs in legal disputes to foster political stability. Although doubts remain regarding the elections, the ruling aims to maintain consensus in the political landscape.
Original Source: www.jacarandafm.com
