Namibia's Electoral Commission corrected its mistake after a court invalidated the premature declaration of a Swapo candidate as the winner in the Nkurenkuru constituency. Deputy Judge President Hannelie Prinsloo ruled on Friday that the commission's returning officer wrongly announced Tenga Ndara as elected, even though Affirmative Repositioning also submitted valid nomination papers.
The court recognized Naomi Rebbekka from Affirmative Repositioning as properly nominated, allowing both parties to compete in November's regional council and local authority elections. Returning officer Kawana Muronga declared a winner on October 16 after incorrectly concluding only one candidate had qualified for the ballot.
Commission chairperson Elsie Nghikembua told the court that the official failed to verify all submissions in the candidate management system before making the declaration. The error violated electoral law because multiple valid nominations existed in the database at the time of the announcement.
The commission brought the urgent self-review application to restore voting rights for Nkurenkuru residents and ensure proper electoral procedures before the November 26 vote.
The court recognized Naomi Rebbekka from Affirmative Repositioning as properly nominated, allowing both parties to compete in November's regional council and local authority elections. Returning officer Kawana Muronga declared a winner on October 16 after incorrectly concluding only one candidate had qualified for the ballot.
Commission chairperson Elsie Nghikembua told the court that the official failed to verify all submissions in the candidate management system before making the declaration. The error violated electoral law because multiple valid nominations existed in the database at the time of the announcement.
The commission brought the urgent self-review application to restore voting rights for Nkurenkuru residents and ensure proper electoral procedures before the November 26 vote.
