Namibia’s Supreme Court Upholds Election Results, Confirms Nandi-Ndaitwah’s Presidency
Namibia’s Supreme Court dismissed an election challenge from opposition parties, validating the SWAPO party’s victory in last year’s presidential election. Chief Justice Peter Shivute confirmed that the extension of the voting period was lawful, allowing Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to be inaugurated as Namibia’s first female president on March 21. The opposition, led by the IPC, accepted the ruling without protests.
Namibia’s Supreme Court has dismissed an opposition-led challenge to last year’s presidential election, affirming the victory of the ruling SWAPO party. The Chief Justice, Peter Shivute, declared the election results lawful, allowing Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to assume office next month. This ruling follows allegations from opposition groups regarding the election’s integrity, particularly concerning the legitimate extension of the voting period.
The SWAPO party, which has governed Namibia since its independence, secured both the presidential and parliamentary seats in November. The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), which contested the results, claimed the election was compromised due to procedural extensions. However, the court found no merit in these assertions.
Panduleni Itula, the leader of the IPC and the presidential candidate in the last election, expressed his acceptance of the court’s ruling. He emphasized that his party would refrain from protests or demonstrations in response to the verdict. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is scheduled to be inaugurated as Namibia’s first female president on March 21, marking a historic milestone for the nation.
The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the election challenge underscores the legitimacy of the SWAPO party’s electoral success. Chief Justice Shivute’s ruling confirms the legality of the voting extension, thereby facilitating the transition of power to Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who will become Namibia’s first female president. Opposition parties accepted the court’s decision without further unrest, signifying their commitment to democratic processes.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
