Nandi-Ndaitwah Refutes Zimbabwe’s Alleged Interference in Namibian Elections

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s President-elect, has rejected claims of Zimbabwean interference in the recent elections, made by opposition parties lacking evidence. Allegations relate to Zanu-PF’s influence, which opposers compared to manipulative tactics in Zimbabwe. Nandi-Ndaitwah called the claims baseless, urging investigation into the accusations while addressing logistical issues that arose during the elections.

Namibia’s President-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has categorically rejected allegations of Zimbabwe’s interference in the recently held presidential and National Assembly elections in Namibia. These claims were made by five opposition parties, including the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), who suggested that Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party exerted influence over the electoral results, which the ruling Swapo party won. The opposing groups did not substantiate their allegations with evidence but expressed concerns regarding potential manipulation reminiscent of tactics employed by Zanu-PF in its own elections. LPM leader Ivan Skrywer compared the incident of ballot shortages in Namibia to similar strategies purportedly utilized in Zimbabwe to affect election outcomes.

IPC spokesperson Imms Nashinge echoed this sentiment, questioning Zimbabwe’s unexpected interest in Namibian affairs following a social media post by a Zimbabwean official that prematurely announced Swapo’s victory. “How do they know? Is Namibia a province of Zimbabwe? Since when has Zimbabwe had so much interest in our affairs?” he queried, underlining their skepticism toward Zimbabwe’s involvement.

In response, Nandi-Ndaitwah asserted that these accusations are unfounded and part of a strategic effort to undermine Swapo’s credibility. While speaking in Windhoek, she called for investigative journalism to scrutinize these claims, stating, “Those saying it, they know it’s not true, but they are saying it deliberately to confuse our people.”

Namibia’s elections were not without controversy, facing logistical hurdles, including a shortage of ballots and technical failures. These issues led to extended wait times at polling stations and raised concerns about voter suppression, particularly in the Khomas region. Critics pointed out that the electoral commission was inadequately prepared, further complicating the election process, and questioned the legality of the voting extension by two days. Despite these grievances, officials from Zanu-PF and Swapo have both denied any impropriety, with Zanu-PF secretary-general Obert Mpofu dismissing the allegations as indicative of “primitive thinking.”

The recent Namibian elections were marked by significant logistical challenges and allegations of foreign interference, particularly from Zimbabwe. The emergence of claims from various opposition parties regarding Zimbabwe’s influence raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the role of neighboring countries in national politics. With Namibia’s long-standing ties to Zimbabwe, stemming from historical contexts during the liberation struggle, these allegations could reflect deeper political tensions and concerns over sovereignty in Southern Africa.

In summary, President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has firmly dismissed allegations of Zimbabwean interference in Namibia’s recent elections as baseless, asserting these claims are part of a conspiracy against the ruling Swapo party. The backdrop of logistical failures during the elections has further complicated the situation, leading to heightened accusations and political tension. Both Swapo and Zanu-PF officials maintain their innocence amid these allegations, suggesting a complex interplay of national politics in the region, with the potential for lasting implications on Namibia’s political landscape.

Original Source: newscentral.africa