Parties urged to avoid political skirmishes

The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has warned political parties to avoid inciting violence as political temperatures mount in the final run-up to the country’s general elections next month.Amid rising tensions among political parties ahead of the November presidential and National Assembly elections, ECN has issued a warning regarding reported acts of violence and intimidation.The commission singled out skirmishes between members of the Swapo Party and Landless People’s Movement (LPM) in Mariental, which have drawn significant media attention.Heated exchangesLast week, clashes erupted between supporters of Swapo and the LPM, resulting in the vandalism of a Swapo campaign vehicle.Videos circulating online show rival groups confronting each other in party regalia, exchanging heated words and singing party songs.Tensions escalated further when LPM supporters allegedly removed Swapo flags in Keetmanshoop and booked venues intended for Swapo’s star rally in Mariental, disrupting the party&#039;s campaign plans.‘Tolerance and respect’Mulauli De Wet Siluka, ECN communications manager, stated in a release last Friday that the commission views these incidents as serious violations of the democratic principles that uphold the electoral process. "ECN strongly condemns such actions, as they undermine the code of conduct for political parties and organisations".Siluka further stated: "The recent incidents of violence as reported in the media not only undermine the democratic process but also instil fear and erode public trust in our democratic system. As an institution dedicated to ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections, we would like to emphasise the profound responsibility political parties bear in creating an environment of tolerance and respect."Referencing to clause five of the code of conduct, which explicitly prohibits politically motivated violence or intimidation, including the incitement or encouragement of violence or threats based on political affiliation, Siluka highlighted the importance of political accountability. "We wish to emphasise that the use of violence as a political tool is unacceptable and has no place in Namibian society."

Parties urged to avoid political skirmishes

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-29

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Parties urged to avoid political skirmishes

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-29

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