NAMPU Demands That ECN Stop Harassing Journalists at The Polls

The Namibia Professionals’ Union (NAMPU) demands that the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) immediately cease its harassment and obstruction of journalists covering the elections at the Van Rhyn polling station.

Journalists must be allowed to perform their work freely and without interference. Currently, journalists are hungry, their phones are flat, and they have been denied the freedom to move in and out of polling stations. This obstruction is unacceptable, as it limits their ability to report accurately and timely. Journalists cannot be punished or caught in the crosshairs of the ECN’s poorly managed election processes.

Additionally, NAMPU understands ballot papers have run out at some polling stations, and the inadequate polling setup has forced journalists to stay on-site far beyond their scheduled hours. This treatment of journalists is a gross abuse of power and constitutes harassment, violating their rights to report freely.

We demand that ECN allow unrestricted access to journalists and refrain from any further attempts to interfere with their work. Journalists play a critical role in upholding democracy, and their freedom to report must be respected.

Jemima Beukes
Acting Secretary-General
Namibia Media Professionals Union (NAMPU)