South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has expressed reservations about welcoming Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Namibia’s president-elect, citing concerns over alleged irregularities during the country’s recent presidential and National Assembly elections.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the EFF, a party led by Julius Malema and aligned with Namibia’s Economic Freedom Fighters, voiced doubts about the credibility of the electoral process.
“The EFF has concerns over the irregularities observed during Namibia’s presidential and National Assembly elections, making it difficult for us to welcome the president-elect,” read the statement, signed by national spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys.
While the elections were reportedly conducted in a peaceful manner, the EFF highlighted numerous logistical and procedural flaws. These included reports of long queues, missing ballots, technical malfunctions, and other failures, which the party believes undermine the integrity of the process.
Mathys pointed to allegations of voter suppression, describing them as a significant blow to Namibia’s democratic foundations. “The reported suppression of voters and blatant logistical failures reflect a dangerous trend where ruling parties, particularly former liberation movements, resort to undemocratic tactics to cling to power,” she said.
The EFF has pledged to closely monitor post-election developments and indicated its readiness to support legitimate challenges to the reported irregularities.
“The EFF stands ready to support any legitimate efforts to challenge irregularities,” the party stated, signaling its commitment to upholding democratic principles across the region.
As tensions simmer, the EFF’s response underscores broader regional concerns about the conduct of elections and the integrity of democratic processes in Southern Africa.
