Political Parties Challenge Namibian Election Commission’s Choice of South African Firm for Ballot Printing

WINDHOEK: Opposition political parties in Namibia are voicing strong objections against the Electoral Commission of Namibia's (ECN) decision to appoint a South African company for printing ballot papers for the upcoming general elections scheduled for November 27. The ECN announced the completion of the procurement process for the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly Elections, selecting Ren-Form CC, based in Johannesburg, as the provider for the design, printing, supply, and delivery of ballot papers. According to Namibia Press Agency, the ECN Chairperson, Elsie Nghikembua, stated that the procurement process adhered to Section 33 (3)(b) of the Public Procurement Act. She noted that Ren-Form CC emerged as the most responsive bidder following a comprehensive evaluation process. However, this decision has sparked a backlash from several political parties. Speculations have emerged online that Ren-Form CC is owned by a Zimbabwean national, Wicknell Chivayo, who is reportedly close to Zimbabwe's ruling party , Zanu-PF. The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), Namibia's official opposition party, registered its objection to the selection of Ren-Form CC. PDM Secretary General Manuel Ngaringobe expressed concern, citing media reports that the company is under investigation for inflating prices for election-related materials in Zimbabwe's 2023 general elections. Ngaringobe criticized the ECN for allegedly failing to conduct due diligence on Ren-Form CC before awarding the contract. The PDM has instructed its lawyers, Theunissen, Louw, and Partners, to demand the withdrawal of the tender and threatened to take legal action in the High Court. The Landless People's Movement (LPM) also challenged the ECN's decision. LPM, through their lawyers, demanded an explanation for the award of the bid to Ren-Form. Nghikembua directed the LPM to address their concerns to the Office of the Government Attorney. Subsequently, the LPM has requested specific documents related to the tender process, giving the government attorneys a dead line of October 22, 2024, to provide the information. The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) joined the chorus of dissent, demanding full public disclosure of all documents related to Ren-Form's contract. The IPC criticized the ECN for allegedly bypassing standard procurement procedures and called for investigations by the Anti-Corruption Commission of Namibia and the media into the controversial appointment. Other political parties, including the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters and the Rally for Democracy and Progress, have also expressed their disapproval of the ECN's decision to select a company for printing ballot papers without a transparent process.