IPC reflects after court loss
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) say they will continue holding the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) accountable after the High Court dismissed their application, which sought to compel the commission to disclose a legal opinion from Attorney General (AG) Festus Mbandeka regarding the issue of dual candidacy.
In response, IPC leader Dr Panduleni Itula said the party remains committed to the principles of the rule of law and the need for administrative authorities to comply with legislation.
"The merits of the case are of fundamental constitutional importance for IPC's principles of rule of law and compliance of an administrative authority with the empowering legislation, thus requiring adjudication prior to the electorates being subjected to an unlawful electoral process," said Itula.
He said they will continue to monitor the situation.
Court ruling
IPC is of the view that candidates should only be allowed to contest for one position – National Assembly or presidential – instead of both, as per the current arrangement.
While some political parties agree with the IPC, others, however, accuse the IPC of using clandestine tactics to eliminate aspiring presidential candidates at the presidential polls slated for later this year.
In a High Court judgment delivered last week, judge Hannelie Prinsloo struck the application from the roll after concurring with the ECN that it was not an 'electoral issue' and that the Electoral Court lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate on the issue of whether the ECN is entitled to refuse to share its legal opinion with the applicant.
[email protected]
In response, IPC leader Dr Panduleni Itula said the party remains committed to the principles of the rule of law and the need for administrative authorities to comply with legislation.
"The merits of the case are of fundamental constitutional importance for IPC's principles of rule of law and compliance of an administrative authority with the empowering legislation, thus requiring adjudication prior to the electorates being subjected to an unlawful electoral process," said Itula.
He said they will continue to monitor the situation.
Court ruling
IPC is of the view that candidates should only be allowed to contest for one position – National Assembly or presidential – instead of both, as per the current arrangement.
While some political parties agree with the IPC, others, however, accuse the IPC of using clandestine tactics to eliminate aspiring presidential candidates at the presidential polls slated for later this year.
In a High Court judgment delivered last week, judge Hannelie Prinsloo struck the application from the roll after concurring with the ECN that it was not an 'electoral issue' and that the Electoral Court lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate on the issue of whether the ECN is entitled to refuse to share its legal opinion with the applicant.
[email protected]
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article