Namibia: Opposition challenges Gerson Sindano’s validation to the ECN

The opposition movement Affirmative Repositioning announced on Thursday, September 10, its intention to take legal action in the High Court against the validation of Gerson Sindano as the future chair of the Electoral Commission of Namibia, following a parliamentary vote that saw several opposition members leave the chamber.

The official minutes of the National Assembly from September 8 confirm that the motion regarding Gerson Sindano’s appointment as chair of the ECN, along with the nominations of Emmerentia Leonard and Julieta Diva Ferreira as commission members, was approved by 49 votes, with no votes against and no abstentions.

NAMPA reports that opposition MPs left the chamber before the vote, except for Nico Somaeb, a member of the United Democratic Front. Nevertheless, the quorum of 49 members was met, and all present voters supported the motion.

Affirmative Repositioning contests the legitimacy of the process, claiming that certain provisions of the Constitution and electoral law were not adhered to. The party also raised concerns about Sindano’s political background, which his opponents describe as a former assistant to a Swapo official.

The Popular Democratic Movement also criticized the voting procedure. Its leader, McHenry Venaani, specifically pointed out the alleged absence of certain parliamentary formalities and mentioned the possibility of legal action.

Gerson Sindano has not yet been formally installed as head of the ECN. According to The Namibian, the Assembly’s validation must still be followed by his appointment by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.