Namibia’s presidential and legislative elections, initially held on Wednesday, have been extended after widespread logistical failures sparked public outcry.
Opposition leaders, including Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) presidential candidate Panduleni Itula, urged voters to continue casting ballots despite “irregularities” that marred the first day of voting.
Voting was extended to Saturday following hours-long queues, technical failures, and shortages of ballot papers, which caused frustration and led some voters to abandon the process.
Itula criticized the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), acknowledging the irregularities but urging citizens to proceed with the vote as proposed. “There is no other alternative than to carry out what is proposed,” he said.
The election troubles have ignited tensions in the country, with opposition parties accusing the government of deliberately discouraging voters. Many believe the issues are an attempt to maintain control after 34 years of rule by the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO).
SWAPO, led by Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, is facing an unprecedented challenge, with high youth unemployment and dissatisfaction among younger voters, many of whom reject the long-standing liberation party.
Itula, 67, could force a second-round runoff if he surpasses Nandi-Ndaitwah in the first round. He called for calm, urging citizens to stand firm and ensure their democratic rights are not denied.
The ECN admitted to multiple failures, including overheating electronic tablets used to register voters and delays that saw voters abandon queues, exacerbated by extreme heat.
Angry protests erupted outside polling stations, with demonstrators holding placards condemning the election process as unfair. “Only 1.5 million voters are registered, and we get this chaos?” said one frustrated voter.
The chaotic election has sparked comparisons to recent events in neighboring Botswana and Mozambique, where elections also faced significant controversy.