IPC Seeks to Nullify 2024 Presidential and National Assembly Election Results

WINDHOEK – The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has formally approached the Electoral Court of Namibia, seeking to nullify the results of the Presidential and National Assembly elections held on 27 November 2024.

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In a notice of motion filed on 23 December 2024, the IPC alleges widespread violations of the Constitution and the Electoral Act of 2014 during the electoral process, rendering the results unlawful. The court is scheduled to hear the application on 15 January 2025.

At the heart of the IPC’s case is an accusation that President Nangolo Mbumba exceeded his constitutional powers by extending the voting period through Proclamation No. 34 of 2024. The extension allowed voting to continue at certain polling stations until 30 November 2024, a move the IPC argues breached Article 46(2) of the Constitution and Section 64(3)(b) of the Electoral Act.

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The party contends that the authority to regulate electoral processes, including extending voting periods and designating polling stations, resides solely with the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN). By issuing the proclamation, the IPC asserts, the President undermined the principles of free and fair elections.

In a supporting affidavit, Christine !Auchamus, the IPC’s General Secretary, detailed various electoral discrepancies. She highlighted instances of unauthorized individuals casting votes, malfunctioning verification devices, and polling stations operating without properly gazetted notices.

The IPC also accused the ECN of complicity, alleging that the commission issued directives to extend voting beyond the official polling close time, actions the party claims were unlawful.

“The integrity of our electoral process was compromised,” said !Auchamus in her affidavit. “This has not only disenfranchised voters but also tarnished the credibility of the election.”

The IPC is requesting the Electoral Court to:

• Declare the election process unlawful and its results invalid.
• Order fresh elections in strict compliance with constitutional and legal requirements.
• Direct the first respondent, the President, and the ECN to cover the legal costs incurred by the IPC.

As the court date approaches, the case has ignited debate over the conduct of the 2024 elections and the broader implications for Namibia’s democratic processes. The ECN and the Presidency have yet to issue formal responses to the IPC’s allegations.