ECN travel costs cut draws political backlash
October 16, 2025
Tensions are rising between Namibia’s political parties and the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) following the commission’s decision that parties must fund their own travel expenses to South Africa to observe the printing of ballot papers a responsibility previously shared with the ECN.
The move has sparked widespread criticism, with several party leaders arguing it undermines transparency and fairness ahead of the November elections. Some warn that smaller parties may be excluded from the process altogether, raising concerns about credibility and accountability in the upcoming polls.
To unpack these concerns and what they mean for Namibia’s democracy, Desert FM speaks to the leader of the Independent Patriots for Change, Panduleni Itula.
