‘ECN must be seen as neutral’

Opposition parties and political commentators have sharply criticised Swapo over its handling of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) chairperson nomination process, following controversy sparked by a parliamentary motion endorsing Dr Gerson Sindano for the top post.

The backlash comes after Swapo secretary for information and mobilisation, Hilma Nicanor, moved to distance the party from claims that it had officially endorsed Sindano, insisting the appointment process is strictly constitutional and lies with parliament and the president.

Her remarks follow growing political tension triggered by Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader and MP Job Amupanda, who accused the ruling party of political interference in a constitutionally independent institution.

In a strongly worded social media video, Amupanda described the situation as “extremely shocking", questioning the legality and timing of the nomination process and warning against what he views as procedural irregularities.

He argued that under Article 94B of the Constitution, ECN commissioners serve fixed five-year terms and the chairperson must be appointed from among sitting commissioners under strict conditions.

Amupanda further claimed that the recommendation process raises serious procedural questions, including concerns over term limits and whether proper documentation and records were followed.

“This is a major scandal… We are asking for the records, the score sheets, and the president's recommendation,” he said.

He added that parliament would challenge the matter when it is tabled.

Extension perception

Opposition MPs also weighed in during the debate.

Landless People’s Movement (LPM) parliamentarian Eneas Emvula said Swapo had “no legal basis” to table a party-driven motion on ECN appointments, arguing that the process is strictly governed by constitutional procedure.

“There is no provision for a partisan approach to this matter,” Emvula said, adding that the nomination process rests with the president and parliament, not political parties.

Association for Localised Interest (ASOLI) leader Josef Kauandenge also raised concern over what he called a “fundamentally flawed” system, warning that political involvement in ECN appointments undermines its independence.

“When a political party endorses commissioners, it creates the perception that the ECN is an extension of that party,” Kauandenge said.

Public trust

Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah echoed concerns, saying that even if the process is legally compliant, political endorsements risk eroding public trust in the electoral body.

“The issue is not only legality, but perception. The ECN must be seen as neutral,” he said.

The controversy follows a motion in the National Assembly by Swapo MP Pohamba Shifeta endorsing Dr Sindano for ECN chairperson, a move that has now been forwarded to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for final appointment.

Nicanor, however, maintained that individual parliamentary motions should not be interpreted as official party positions, stressing that the ECN remains a constitutional body independent of political parties.