In Namibia, the upcoming elections of 2024 are contested by IPC and Landless People’s Movement regarding the constitutional validity of the President’s election date proclamation. Dr. Panduleni Itula argues that amendments to polling times post-commencement are unconstitutional. The Supreme Court will adjudicate this matter to determine its impact on the elections.
Namibia’s upcoming elections in 2024 are now subject to a legal challenge from two political parties: the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and the Landless People’s Movement. This challenge revolves around the President’s proclamation of the election and the procedural conduct of the polls by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN).
Dr. Panduleni Itula, a candidate from the presidential election, has presented an affidavit to the Supreme Court. In this affidavit, he argues that the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia empowers the President to establish the election date based on the Electoral Commission’s recommendation. He emphasizes that the Constitution and relevant legislative acts do not allow alterations to the election date or time once polling has commenced.
The legal challenge against Namibia’s 2024 elections signifies a significant issue regarding the constitutional interpretation of election procedures. The case raised by the IPC and the Landless People’s Movement questions the authority of the President and the Electoral Commission to modify established election timelines. The Supreme Court’s decision will be pivotal in determining the legitimacy of the forthcoming elections.
Original Source: constitutionnet.org
