Namibia’s Supreme Court has dismissed an election challenge by opposition parties, allowing Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of the SWAPO party to take office next month. The court ruled the election process, despite claims of irregularities regarding the voting extension, was lawful. IPC leader Panduleni Itula accepted the ruling, which paves the way for Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration as the first female president on March 21.
Namibia’s Supreme Court has dismissed a challenge by opposition parties regarding the presidential election held last year. This ruling paves the way for the ruling SWAPO party’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to assume office next month. The SWAPO party has been in power for over three decades. In the November elections, it secured victories in both the presidential and parliamentary contests.
Opposition groups claimed that the election was marred by irregularities, including the extension of the voting period. However, Namibia’s Chief Justice Peter Shivute ruled that the extension was lawful and rejected the challenge by the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), which finished second in the elections. The IPC was supported by the Landless People’s Movement in their legal maneuvers.
Chief Justice Shivute stated, “Their challenge to the outcome for the 2024 presidential election … fails.” IPC leader Panduleni Itula, who was also a candidate in the presidential race, expressed that his party would accept the court’s decision without resorting to protests.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is set to be inaugurated as Namibia’s first female president on March 21, highlighting a significant milestone in the nation’s leadership. This ruling emphasizes the judicial system’s role in upholding electoral integrity in Namibia, as SWAPO continues its longstanding governance.
The dismissal of the opposition’s challenge by Namibia’s Supreme Court reaffirms the ruling party’s victory in the recent elections, allowing Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to prepare for her inauguration as the country’s first female president. The court’s decision underscores the legal legitimacy of the election process, despite opposition claims of irregularities. The IPC’s acceptance of the ruling reflects a commitment to uphold democratic principles within the political landscape of Namibia.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
