Namibia awaits Supreme Court verdict on February 28

By: Envaalde Matheus

Namibia awaits the Supreme Court’s verdict on the contested 2024 presidential election results.

The IPC and the LPM allege irregularities in the November 2024 presidential election won by Swapo candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

 The ruling on the matter is set for February 28th.

The IPC also has another case in the electoral court where they are disputing the National Assembly election results.

The party is alleging logistical failures, voter suppression, and the legality of extending the voting days to November 29 and 30.

Although the electoral court allowed the opposition parties to inspect election materials on December 13, it could not proceed with the case pending the Supreme Court’s ruling.

The LPM officially joined IPC’s legal battle against the National Assembly results on February 23 and has until March 3 to pay N$300 000 in security for legal costs.

The electoral court has set March 6 for case management.

This verdict, expected on February 28, will determine the next legal steps for the opposition.

LPM Spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa expressed concern over the N$300 000 security deposits, highlighting Namibia’s high cost of seeking justice.

“Though we are required to provide a security of N$300 000, which in itself highlights the high cost of accessing justice in our country, we see this as a separate issue that warrants further discussion,” he said.

Simataa said that requiring such a large sum just to be heard raises concerns about ordinary Namibians’ access to justice.

“Imagine how much one would have to pay simply to exercise their democratic rights.”

However, despite this financial burden, we remain steadfast in our commitment. We believe this case is worth investing in, as it upholds the principles of democracy and justice,” said Simataa.