SADC commends Namibia

Harare, (New Ziana)-The Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Sunday commended Namibia’s political parties for using prescribed channels to settle their electoral dispute.

Opposition parties disputed the outcome of last November’s presidential election won by incumbent President Hage Geingob, and petitioned the Supreme Court to overturn it.

The election results were challenged by Mike Kavekotora of the Rally for Democracy and Progress, Henk Mudge of the Republican Party, Epafras Mukwiilongo of Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters, Ignatius Shixwameni of All People’s Party, and independent candidate Panduleni Itula.

But the court upheld the results, saying the challengers failed to prove the ruling party’s manipulation of electronic voting machines.

The ruling means President Geingob will continue in his second term.

In a statement, Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the bloc acknowledges the ruling by the Supreme Court which upheld the results of the Presidential election.

“SADC acknowledges the ruling of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Namibia that was delivered on 5 February 2020, which upheld the results of the Presidential election.

“SADC commends the parties involved in the election petition for channelling electoral disputes through the established legal mechanisms, in line with the Constitution and Electoral Act of the Republic. SADC also commends the Supreme Court of Namibia for upholding the Constitution and electoral law of the country,” he said.

SADC urged Namibians to respect the ruling of the Supreme Court,” he said.
He urged Government and electoral authorities of Namibia to respect the Supreme Court determination.

“SADC urges the Government of the Republic of Namibia and the electoral authorities to implement the recommendations made by the Supreme Court, and urged all stakeholders to respect the determination of the Supreme Court.

“Similarly, and in line with the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, SADC encourages the Government and the Electoral Commission of Namibia to implement the recommendations of the SADC electoral observation Mission,” said President Mnangagwa.
New Ziana