Tangeni Amupadhi
Namibians went to the polls this week in the country’s second presidential and general elections since independence. The election started smoothly on Tuesday morning, but its credibility was later put in doubt when the main opposition party, the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA), exposed that the ink used to mark the thumb of a voter was easy to wash off.
The Directorate of Elections reacted quickly, saying the ink had been misapplied, but appealed to voters not to vote twice. Opposition parties have expressed concern that in the absence of a voters’ roll anyone with a voter registration card could vote.
Several people have shown the “indelible ink” washes off easily with dish washer, soap and detergents containing ammonia. The DTA has tried to link the ink controversy to the printing of 500 000 extra ballot papers, which the Directorate of Elections said were printed to ensure there would be no shortages.
According to the directorate, 878 000 people are registered in a country where more than half of the 1,8-million population is younger than 18 years. Pundits say the voters’ roll is in a mess.
The election has drawn a lot of international interest, especially because the Namibian Constitution had been changed specifically so that President Sam Nujoma can rule the country for five more years.
Eight political parties are taking part in the elections, with Nujoma’s Swapo expected to win, although commentators doubt whether it will retain its 72% support in Parliament.
The results are expected on Monday.