ECN rejects three presidential candidates’ nomination 

Ally Angula

By: Josia Shigwedha

The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has rejected Ally Angula, Else Chen, and Jeremia Kaambo’s applications to contest as presidential candidates in the November election. The Commission’s chairperson, Elsie Nghikembua, said the three independent candidates failed to meet some provisions. Nghikembua added that the ECN had extended the public sitting to allow rejected candidates to rectify their nominations.

“The extension has been granted to afford the candidates who have submitted nominations the opportunity to rectify the rejected nominations or nominate another qualified person as a candidate for the election. “In terms of section 75, 3B, this seating is extended for a period not exceeding one day from the original close of the seating. The Commission will reconvene tomorrow, the 17th of October at 9 o’clock,” said Nghikembua.

Meanwhile, Angula said she intends to rectify her nomination within the extended deadline. “We know that we will be announced tomorrow going into the elections as an Independent Presidential Candidate so I just want to give all glory to the Lord,” stated Angula.  While NEFF vice president Kalimbo Iipumbu said the commission is unprepared for the 2024 Presidential and National Elections. “The ECN is not ready to hold these coming elections. I know they are trying their best, but then they are just forcing themselves. We still have a question will they hold this election free and fair, already with a signal from our side that we were sidelined for months?

“So, their readiness is questionable, and even them holding this election as fair and transparent, will be questionable,” stated Iipumbu.

The ECN has accepted 15 nominations for the presidential race.