The parties argue that the extension of the election by two days was unconstitutional and are seeking relief from the Supreme Court.  

At the heart of the dispute is the President's proclamation of the election date and the actions of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN).

According to the IPC, the Constitution grants the President the authority to set an election date, based on recommendations from the ECN.

However, once the election date is set and voting begins, neither the President nor the ECN is permitted to alter it.  

Dr. Panduleni Itula, a former Presidential candidate and a prominent figure in the IPC, has submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court, arguing that the extension violated constitutional and legal provisions. The elections, initially scheduled for November 27, 2024, were extended by two days due to logistical issues. The IPC contends that this extension was "simply unlawful" and has called for the entire election to be invalidated.  

The LPM, while aligning with the IPC's claim that the extension was unlawful, has taken a narrower stance. It is requesting that only the votes cast during the extended period be set aside, leaving the rest of the election intact.  

This legal challenge highlights growing concerns over the transparency and adherence to constitutional processes in Namibia’s electoral system. The case is now set to test the balance of power between the President, the ECN, and the judiciary, with potentially significant implications for the legitimacy of the 2024 election results.  

Both parties assert that the irregularities undermined public confidence in the electoral process.

--Canny Maphanga/ChannelAfrica--