SADC delays final report on Namibia’s 2024 elections

More than six months after Namibia’s general elections in November 2024, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has yet to release its final election observation report, missing the three-month deadline by a wide margin. This delay persists despite preliminary findings that described the elections as peaceful and generally democratic.

“We want to know whether our election was free and fair.”

The absence of the full report has left stakeholders and election observers waiting for detailed insights and recommendations on the electoral process, fueling concerns about transparency and accountability.

Political analyst Dr. Ndumba Kamwanyah

Political analyst Dr. Ndumba Kamwanyah expressed serious worries about the delay, saying accountability must be demanded. “It is a big concern. It really cuts through the aspect of transparency and accountability,” he said.

“Someone needs to be held responsible, and I think it’s the chairperson of the committee, but also SADC itself, in terms of who they appoint to do the observation missions, because largely it is politically appointed.”

Dr. Kamwanyah criticized the process, highlighting that appointments often lack consideration of competency and capacity. “You cannot observe and then not release the report.

As the wait continues, voters and stakeholders are eager for the full SADC report to provide clarity on the integrity of the 2024 elections.