Opposition parties in Namibia are urging voters to stay the course and cast their ballots as tensions rise due to a controversial extension of presidential and parliamentary elections into the weekend. The Electoral Commission of Namibia cited irregularities such as a shortage of ballot papers and overheating electronic tablets for the extension. The opposition Independent Patriots for Change protested the extension but still encouraged voters to participate.
The IPC hopes to end Swapo’s 34-year rule and its presidential candidate Panduleni Itula admitted to irregularities but stated that citizens must carry out the election process. Itula is running against Swapo’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who could become the country’s first female leader. The country’s youth, frustrated by a lack of opportunities despite Namibia being an upper-middle-income country, are questioning Swapo’s continued dominance.
Observers wonder if Swapo, like other parties in Southern Africa, might face rejection from voters who are dissatisfied with the status quo. The election issues in Namibia come as Mozambique experiences violent unrest following allegations of vote rigging in the ruling Frelimo party’s victory in October. The situation in both countries highlights the growing frustration with long-ruling parties and the need for fair and transparent electoral processes.
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