Windhoek Observer

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Election observer missions from Southern Africa, African Union and civic organisations that oversaw the presidential and National Assembly elections have criticised operational failures that have undermined confidence in the electoral process. Observer missions have urged reforms to address logistical shortcomings, enhance inclusivity, and ensure transparency. Voters are also calling for the nullification of the election. The elections were marked by operational lapses, including a shortage of ballot papers at polling stations, the heating of tablets, the running out of batteries for the ultraviolet light torches, and the departure of mobile polling stations before some voters had cast their…

Niël Terblanché Namibians received welcome news on Friday when the Ministry of Mines and Energy announced that fuel prices will remain unchanged for December, offering relief to consumers during the festive season. This is the third consecutive month of stable fuel pricing, providing much-needed consistency in the face of global economic uncertainties. In a statement released on Friday, the ministry confirmed that petrol prices at Walvis Bay will remain at N$20.25 per litre, while diesel 50ppm and 10ppm will stay at N$19.72 and N$19.82 per litre, respectively. The announcement of stable fuel prices is aimed at mitigating the impact of…

Niël Terblanché Namwater has entered into a contract with institutions that have the capacity to perform water monitoring on a national level on Friday. The contract has been awarded to a Joint Venture (JV) between German-based GKW Consult GmbH and Namibian firm Burmeister & Partners (Pty) Ltd Consulting Engineers. NamWater’s chief executive officer, Abraham Nehemia, said that the six-year monitoring consultancy under the Water Sector Support Programme 1 (WSSP 1) project is aimed at strengthening the country’s water infrastructure and ensuring sustainable access to water services. “The Water Sector Support Programme 1 (WSSP 1) is a critical initiative to address…

Mallex Shipanga NamRights Director, Phil Ya Nangoloh has called on citizens and political parties to avoid inciting violence during and after the announcement of election results. In a statement issued on Sunday, Ya Nangoloh urged parties alleging widespread irregularities or vote rigging to pursue their claims through lawful channels. “We are extremely concerned by what appears to be rising propaganda for war or advocacy of national, racial, or religious hatred that incites discrimination, hostility or violence," said Ya Nangoloh. This comes after statements made by some political parties, or in their names, that concerned NamRights. “Such statements have now become…

Mallex Shipanga The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) is facing criticism for its lack of communication with the public following the recent elections. The commission has called on the nation to report any irregularities around the election and the ongoing ballot counting, but there does seem to be an avenue to direct such issues. Calls to the ECN's office at contact number +264 61 376 200 frequently go unanswered. Questions sent to the ECN’s spokesperson Dewet Silika also remain unanswered. The Windhoek Observer wanted to know if the ECN has a hotline number where the public can direct its complaints…

Allexer Namundjembo and Martin Endjala Several opposition political parties in Namibia have raised concerns about the credibility of recent elections, alleging irregularities and accusing the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) of failing to ensure a free and fair process. However, many are holding back on decisive actions until after the official announcement of results. National Democratic Party (NDP) leader Martin Lukato stated that his party’s course of action will depend on the announcement of the final election results. “We cannot tell if we will accept the results now, as we are waiting for the official announcement of the election outcome.…

Moses Magadza and Hertta-Maria Amutenya The secretary general of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) has underscored the need for a rights-based approach in the global response to HIV and AIDS. As the world celebrated World AIDS Day on 1 December, Boemo Sekgoma, the secretary general of SADC PF, released a statement with the theme, "Take the rights path: my health, my right!" SADC PF Secretary-General Boemo Sekgoma reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to advocating for the rights of people living with HIV. Sekgoma stressed the urgency of addressing the inequalities faced by vulnerable populations, including sex workers,…

Corruption Watch Have you ever heard of the notion that “Corruption is a victimless crime”? This is something that corrupt people, and their supporters, would like us to believe. Even our own Jacob Zuma is reported to have said it. The truth, however, is that the victims of corruption are TNTC – a microbiological term meaning too numerous to count. They are ordinary people, vulnerable people, many of them driven to poverty or kept in poverty because of eroded quality of life, poor service delivery, human rights violations, lack of development, no employment, absence of the rule of law, and…