The elections showed the resilience of its people and the potential for growth. But they also exposed flaws that must be addressed
Lost your password? Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.Lost your password? Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.Namibia’s 2024 presidential and National Assembly elections encapsulated both remarkable strides and glaring inefficiencies.
Moreover, outsourcing ballot production to South Africa, despite procuring the ballots well before the elections, showed Namibia’s dependence on external suppliers. This reliance undermined public confidence in the process. Namibia, as a sovereign nation, must prioritise the development of local capacities to independently manage its electoral processes.
More than 15,000 votes — about 1.4% of the total — were rejected. Although this percentage may seem small, it represents thousands of citizens whose voices were effectively silenced. Many of these rejections were a result of voter errors, an indicator of inadequate civic education. The ECN’s outreach efforts failed to address the knowledge gap, particularly in rural areas where understanding of electoral processes remains limited.
Parties with fewer seats, despite their electoral gains, may continue to struggle for meaningful representation, as witnessed in previous years. Namibia’s proportional representation system, although designed to ensure inclusivity, has not translated into significant influence for these parties. Strengthening their roles through policy changes and enhanced parliamentary practices is needed to ensure a more balanced and representative democracy.
Additionally, responsible journalism is essential for countering misinformation and fostering informed debates. Namibia’s media outlets must strive for greater impartiality and depth in their coverage, ensuring that voters are equipped with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions. The coverage of certain political parties, for instance, has often been disproportionate, providing evidence of the need for greater objectivity in reporting.
Namibia also needs to strengthen its legal framework to address gaps in electoral governance. Stricter enforcement of the Electoral Act, coupled with independent oversight mechanisms, will deter misconduct and promote accountability. Civil society organisations and opposition parties can play a vital role in advocating for these reforms, ensuring that they reflect the needs and aspirations of the broader population.
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