Court Orders Namibia to Allow Opposition Parties to Inspect Election Data.

Two Namibian opposition parties, seeking to challenge the results of last month’s elections, were granted a court order on Friday allowing them to inspect the election materials they had requested. Namibia’s ruling party, SWAPO, claimed victory in both the presidential and parliamentary elections on November 27, extending its 34-year rule.

The opposition parties argued that the election was flawed and potentially invalid, citing issues such as the extension of voting for several days. The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), the largest opposition party, stated in a court filing seen by Reuters, “There were clearly irregularities in the election. IPC seeks the information to determine the extent of these irregularities.”

The IPC added that the inspection would help them decide whether to pursue legal action regarding the election’s validity. The Landless People’s Movement, another opposition party, joined the IPC in the request.

Following a hearing on Friday morning, Namibia’s electoral court ordered the electoral commission to provide the requested election materials, including the number of votes cast and counted at each polling station on each day, for inspection. The commission is required to produce the data next week.

The election was affected by ballot paper shortages and technical issues, leading to voting being extended for up to three days in some areas.

President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah dismissed claims of electoral flaws in her victory speech, stating, “I am not even listening to those critics.” The electoral commission had affirmed that the election was free and fair. Nandi-Ndaitwah is set to become the country’s first female president when she takes office in March.