ECN implored to be transparent about money
Little known about how ECN manages its finances
Commentators say there is insufficient transparency regarding how the ECN spends government funds, making it difficult to evaluate its expenditure needs.
Political analysts and commentators say the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) should be more transparent in terms of how it manages its money.
This follows a budget allocation of N$438 million, amid calls for the ECN to specify how the money is being used.
Political commentator Henning Melber said it would be difficult to assess if the money for elections is spent efficiently.
"I cannot judge if this is sufficient and well spent. But voter registration is as essential and important as a smooth election. I tend to assume that unfortunately, more money is often allocated to less important matters,” Melber said.
Melber suggested big monetary injections be made into the ECN, and not only during election years.
“The inefficiency and lack of organisational skills is as influential. Therefore, investments in the ECN's institutional capacity should be made annually, not only in election years,” he advised.
No cost outlines
Popular Democratic Movement secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe echoed Melber’s views around transparency, saying more efforts should be made to illustrate how the ECN manages its finances.
“We do not have any knowledge about the ECN’s budget. The ECN’s strategic plan also does not indicate its needs. It is very difficult to say if it is efficient. As long as the budget contributes towards steering our democracy,” he said.
Independent Patriots for Change spokesperson Imms Nashinge said elections are generally expensive undertakings.
Nashinge added that there is insufficient transparency regarding how the ECN spends government funds, making it difficult to evaluate its expenditure needs.
“The approach, the marketing, is not really effective enough. We do not have a cost outline in terms of how the money is being spent,” Nashinge said.
Landless People's Movement spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa said more needs to be done to illustrate how the ECN spends its money.
"The budget seems to be sufficient; however, there is a concern that they may not be using it to the best of their ability, which would fall into planning and execution, as there is much to be desired in their voters' education and marketing of this registration period,” Simataa said.
This follows a budget allocation of N$438 million, amid calls for the ECN to specify how the money is being used.
Political commentator Henning Melber said it would be difficult to assess if the money for elections is spent efficiently.
"I cannot judge if this is sufficient and well spent. But voter registration is as essential and important as a smooth election. I tend to assume that unfortunately, more money is often allocated to less important matters,” Melber said.
Melber suggested big monetary injections be made into the ECN, and not only during election years.
“The inefficiency and lack of organisational skills is as influential. Therefore, investments in the ECN's institutional capacity should be made annually, not only in election years,” he advised.
No cost outlines
Popular Democratic Movement secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe echoed Melber’s views around transparency, saying more efforts should be made to illustrate how the ECN manages its finances.
“We do not have any knowledge about the ECN’s budget. The ECN’s strategic plan also does not indicate its needs. It is very difficult to say if it is efficient. As long as the budget contributes towards steering our democracy,” he said.
Independent Patriots for Change spokesperson Imms Nashinge said elections are generally expensive undertakings.
Nashinge added that there is insufficient transparency regarding how the ECN spends government funds, making it difficult to evaluate its expenditure needs.
“The approach, the marketing, is not really effective enough. We do not have a cost outline in terms of how the money is being spent,” Nashinge said.
Landless People's Movement spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa said more needs to be done to illustrate how the ECN spends its money.
"The budget seems to be sufficient; however, there is a concern that they may not be using it to the best of their ability, which would fall into planning and execution, as there is much to be desired in their voters' education and marketing of this registration period,” Simataa said.
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