Thread: Swapo, RDP breaching electoral code - ECN

New Era - By Petronella Sibeene

WINDHOEK – Feuding political party members from the ruling party Swapo and opposition Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) are violating the political code of conduct of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN).

Since the beginning of election campaigns a few months ago, the media has reported on cases of clashes between members of the two parties and disruption of rallies where police officers had to intervene.

The ECN Code of Conduct stipulates that intimidation in any form is impermissible. It further says no weapon of any kind, including any traditional weapon, may be brought to any political rally, meeting, march or other demonstration.

Political parties are further expected to ensure speakers at political rallies do not use language that incites violence while party members and supporters are not allowed to disrupt other parties’ rallies, meetings, marches or demonstrations.

But just this week, police at Outapi had to use teargas to suppress confrontation between supporters of Swapo and the RDP.

Moreover, police had to confiscate a variety of weapons from members of the RDP who travelled to Outapi for a star rally during the weekend.

Some of the weapons included pistols, knives, machetes, hammers, axes, screwdrivers, catapults and a pair of scissors.

Deputy Director of the ECN, Theo Mujoro, told New Era the code of conduct outlines to political parties how they ought to adhere to the various rules.

He said Namibian Police are mandated to maintain peace and order as well as ensure that transgressors of the electoral rules face punitive measures in place.

Police in that area confirmed they have arrested about three people on charges of distracting police from their work and intimidation of members of other parties.

Asked whether or not the electoral body has powers regarding the current feuding, he said ECN would continue to encourage political party members and supporters to abide by the code of conduct.

“ECN has confidence in the police to do their job during pre- and post-election time. We keep urging parties to adhere to the code of conduct,” he reiterated.

The electoral body has further demanded, “All parties strive to behave in a politically mature manner. That all parties adhere to the principles of tolerance and respect for each other, it is the responsibility of all political parties to remember those that went before them, as it is indeed their blood that brought us our liberty,” Mujoro emphasised.