Rundu election mix-up leaves IPC candidate distressed
Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) candidate Rosalia Nanguti says she has been emotionally overwhelmed after an electoral blunder mistakenly awarded her a seat on the Rundu town council following last week’s local authority election.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) later admitted that the seat had been incorrectly allocated to IPC instead of the Rundu Urban Community Association (Ruca).
Nanguti says the error has turned her into a public target, with critics accusing her party of stealing the seat.
“Until I read in the newspaper that ECN admitted their error, I was being insulted by people saying IPC stole the seat,” she said.
“I’m receiving calls from people. Now, instead of criticising [ECN], they are attacking me. Me being a candidate doesn’t mean I need to be insulted on behalf of the party. This is really affecting me emotionally. I don’t have peace of mind right now.”
She described relentless insults and anonymous messages, leaving her feeling isolated.
“I’m just alone now. I don’t get any calls [from the party leadership]. It really affected me — I just fell asleep yesterday because of it,” she said. “For me, I would have accepted if there was proof we stole the seat, but there is none. I have nothing to do with this, seriously.”
The confusion reportedly stemmed from contradictory result updates from the trade fair centre and on social media.
Nanguti – who has served on the town council since 2020 – said the ordeal has left her feeling unsupported despite her experience.
“I’ve received very little communication from my party’s head office. Some colleagues and veterans have offered words of encouragement, but the lack of formal guidance has left me feeling abandoned at a time when clarity and reassurance were needed most,” she said.
“This thing is really affecting me. I don’t have peace of mind for now. I’m waiting for the court to pronounce itself, and I hope this matter is recounted properly so that the results reflect the true will of the voters.”
Despite the turmoil, Nanguti stressed her commitment to integrity and professionalism. She urged the public to be patient as the court process unfolds, reminding voters that the outcome is beyond her control.
“I’m following the information from the trade fair, and until the court makes its ruling, I cannot say more. I just ask people to remain calm. I have nothing to do with the mistakes that were made,” she said. - [email protected]
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) later admitted that the seat had been incorrectly allocated to IPC instead of the Rundu Urban Community Association (Ruca).
Nanguti says the error has turned her into a public target, with critics accusing her party of stealing the seat.
“Until I read in the newspaper that ECN admitted their error, I was being insulted by people saying IPC stole the seat,” she said.
“I’m receiving calls from people. Now, instead of criticising [ECN], they are attacking me. Me being a candidate doesn’t mean I need to be insulted on behalf of the party. This is really affecting me emotionally. I don’t have peace of mind right now.”
She described relentless insults and anonymous messages, leaving her feeling isolated.
“I’m just alone now. I don’t get any calls [from the party leadership]. It really affected me — I just fell asleep yesterday because of it,” she said. “For me, I would have accepted if there was proof we stole the seat, but there is none. I have nothing to do with this, seriously.”
The confusion reportedly stemmed from contradictory result updates from the trade fair centre and on social media.
Nanguti – who has served on the town council since 2020 – said the ordeal has left her feeling unsupported despite her experience.
“I’ve received very little communication from my party’s head office. Some colleagues and veterans have offered words of encouragement, but the lack of formal guidance has left me feeling abandoned at a time when clarity and reassurance were needed most,” she said.
“This thing is really affecting me. I don’t have peace of mind for now. I’m waiting for the court to pronounce itself, and I hope this matter is recounted properly so that the results reflect the true will of the voters.”
Despite the turmoil, Nanguti stressed her commitment to integrity and professionalism. She urged the public to be patient as the court process unfolds, reminding voters that the outcome is beyond her control.
“I’m following the information from the trade fair, and until the court makes its ruling, I cannot say more. I just ask people to remain calm. I have nothing to do with the mistakes that were made,” she said. - [email protected]
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