“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” Thomas Jefferson’s words resonate powerfully as Namibia faces a defining moment in its democratic journey. Allegations of covert dealings between the ruling SWAPO party and the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) have fueled public outrage, distrust, and an urgent call for transparency. This unfolding controversy strikes at the heart of Namibia's political ethos and raises pressing questions about the integrity of its democratic institutions.
Once hailed as a beacon of stability in Africa, Namibia now finds itself in a political storm that tests the resilience of its democracy. The accusations point to a clandestine meeting between SWAPO and the ECN an event opposition parties have labeled as "system capture." Political commentator Joseph Diescho aptly noted, “Democracy dies not in a single dramatic event but through a thousand small cuts to its credibility.” Namibia stands on the edge of such a critical cut.
The Political Chessboard: Trust, Power, and Suspicion: Elections are the cornerstone of democratic governance. The process becomes suspect when doubts emerge about the impartiality of those overseeing these elections. Opposition parties have openly declared their mistrust in the ECN, citing its perceived bias towards SWAPO. The fears are not unfounded. SWAPO, the liberation party that has ruled Namibia since independence in 1990, wields significant influence. “The essence of democracy lies not just in the act of voting, but in the trust people place in its outcomes,” explains Namibian analyst Henning Melber. This trust, once eroded, undermines the legitimacy of elected governments and weakens democratic foundations.
The Political Chessboard: Trust, Power, and Suspicion: Elections are the cornerstone of democratic governance. The process becomes suspect when doubts emerge about the impartiality of those overseeing these elections. Opposition parties have openly declared their mistrust in the ECN, citing its perceived bias towards SWAPO. The fears are not unfounded. SWAPO, the liberation party that has ruled Namibia since independence in 1990, wields significant influence. “The essence of democracy lies not just in the act of voting, but in the trust people place in its outcomes,” explains Namibian analyst Henning Melber. This trust, once eroded, undermines the legitimacy of elected governments and weakens democratic foundations. Namibia is not the first African nation to face such a democratic reckoning. Similar challenges have unfolded across the continent, offering both cautionary tales and glimpses of hope.
Zimbabwe: The Perils of Systemic Erosion: Zimbabwe’s ZANU-PF entrenched itself in power through systematic voter suppression, intimidation, and manipulation. The result was international isolation, economic collapse, and a fractured society. Opposition parties fought bravely, but their efforts were repeatedly stifled by a captured state apparatus. Lesson for Namibia: Unchecked political dominance breeds stagnation and alienates the electorate. Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable in preserving democratic integrity.
Kenya: 2017 Kenya’s Supreme Court made history by nullifying a presidential election due to irregularities. This landmark ruling highlighted the judiciary’s potential role in safeguarding democracy. Yet, the aftermath was marred by political polarization and violence, revealing the fragility of democratic gains without widespread public buy-in. Lesson for Namibia: While courts can uphold justice, unity and reconciliation must remain central to political discourse.
South Africa’s ANC, like SWAPO, has faced waning public trust due to corruption and governance failures. Civil society activism and media scrutiny have forced the ANC to address some of its shortcomings, including leadership changes and attempts at reform. Lesson for Namibia: Liberation movements must adapt to contemporary democratic expectations or risk losing their legitimacy and moral authority. Liberation parties often rely on deeply rooted philosophies to justify their continued dominance. Understanding these can shed light on the strategies deployed by SWAPO and the ECN.
Many liberation movements operate on the premise that their role in achieving independence grants them an enduring mandate to govern. This ideology often sidelines genuine democratic competition, fostering a sense of entitlement to power. Niccolò Machiavelli argued that leaders should do whatever is necessary to maintain power. Alleged tactics such as influencing electoral bodies, delaying processes, and controlling narratives align with this philosophy, underscoring a pragmatic but ethically fraught approach.
By positioning the ECN as an ostensibly independent entity, SWAPO deflects blame for any perceived electoral irregularities. This maneuver not only shields SWAPO from direct criticism but also places the ECN under the microscope, creating a buffer between the party and public outrage. The ECN has adopted a strategy of strict procedural compliance, likely to withstand legal challenges. By extending voting times and addressing logistical delays, the ECN projects an image of fairness. However, legal philosopher Lord Hewart’s warning—“Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done”—underscores the need for genuine impartiality, not just the appearance of it.
While the ECN may meet its legal obligations, public skepticism remains. Citizens question whether these actions serve democracy or merely reinforce the status quo. Namibia’s democracy is at a crossroads. The legitimacy of any government emerging from this election will hinge on the public’s perception of fairness and transparency. Opposition parties must tread carefully. Failure to act decisively risks ceding moral authority while pursuing unsubstantiated claims could further erode public trust in democratic institutions. As political thinker Frantz Fanon observed, “A nation that does not hold its leaders accountable mortgages its future.” Namibians must demand not only free and fair elections but also accountability from all actors involved.
This moment is about more than an election—it is about safeguarding Namibia’s democratic soul. The decisions made now will shape the nation’s political trajectory for generations to come. As Nelson Mandela wisely stated, “The people’s voice must be heard. Only then will we truly be free.” Namibians must rise to the occasion, insisting on transparency and integrity. Democracy is not a gift but a continuous struggle that requires the active participation of its citizens. The time for vigilance is now.
Thinking Out Loud
Alphons K Koruhama
Computer Scientist and Indigenous Knowledge Researcher.
https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/OvaHerero-BCP_English-2024.pdf.
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