ECN gives gasping independent candidates 24-hour oxygen

The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has granted three independent candidates, who are still in the running to contest in the November elections, until 11:00 this morning to fully oblige with the registration requirements - or face total dismissal from the race.

ECN chairperson Elsie Nghikembua yesterday told Ally Angula, Elsie Chen and Jeremia Kaambo that they have until this morning to correct unspecified deficiencies in their applications for registration.

Nghikembua did not want to share the shortcomings publicly, but confirmed that the three applications had different problems and the independent candidates had been notified in writing, and still had the opportunity to amend their applications until this morning.

"In terms of section 75(3) of the electoral law, I rejected the nominations of Elsie Chen, Jeremia Kaambo and Ally Angula as candidates,” she announced yesterday. "The candidates were informed in writing of this decision and also the grounds for it. In accordance with section 75(3)b, I hereby announce the extension of this public meeting for the announcement of candidates nominated for election as president.

"The extension is granted to give registered political parties or persons who have submitted nominations the opportunity to correct any rejected nominations, or to nominate another candidate," the chairperson added.

However, no nominations made on behalf of political parties were rejected.

Parties in the running

The names of the candidates who will specifically represent political parties in the upcoming presidential election will only be officially announced after the extension lapses today.

So far, it is known that applications have been accepted for 15 political parties to participate in the presidential elections. They include the Action Democratic Movement (ADM), Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement, All People's Party (APP) and Body of Christ Party (BCP).

Candidates will also compete on behalf of the Congress of Democrats (CoD), Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), Landless People's Movement (LPM) and Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF). Meanwhile, the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP), Republican Party (RP), Swanu, Swapo, the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the United Namibians Party (UNP) also have approved candidates who will compete for the country’s top spot come November.

Political parties that will compete in the parliamentary election, which will be held at the same time, but not in the presidential election, include the National Democratic Party (NDP), the National Empowerment Fighting Corruption (NEFC), the National Patriotic Front of Namibia (NPF), the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) and the United People's Movement (UPM).

Second chance

Angula was the only independent candidate present at the announcement yesterday and said she was pleased that the deadline had been extended. She did not know that a second chance would be offered to them, she said.

In her case, the ECN's new system, which requires her to upload all the details of the 500 signatories per region - 7 000 in total - supporting her nomination, was the reason her application was rejected.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to submit the applications again. The shortfall was caused by the new ECN system. I know that tomorrow I will be announced as an independent candidate for the election,” she said.

"I just want to give all the glory to the Lord for making a way when there seemed to be no way. I’m so happy with this result; very, very happy," she said.

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