WINDHOEK – The Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Sebastian Ndeitunga, has applauded Namibians for conducting the presidential and National Assembly elections in a peaceful manner.
Around 900 000 Namibians last Friday voted in the polls – described by SADC-PF and AU observers as free, fair and credible – and resoundingly won by Swapo and its candidate Dr Hage Geingob.
Ndeitunga particularly thanked alcohol outlet owners countrywide for adhering to instructions to close down their business on polling day, adding that no political violence was reported.
He revealed that 98 percent of the alcohol outlets were compliant with instructions that they should close down their outlets on election day, except for two shebeens reported to have attempted to open in Erongo and Hardap regions respectively.
According to Ndeitunga, when he received a phone call about the shebeens opening on polling day, he immediately commanded police officers to close them down.
“There was no political violence reported anywhere in the country. And this is a clear reflection of how mature our nation is in terms of democratic principles. I express my appreciation to the majority of alcohol outlets.
“I also thank all the political parties, the community at large, the media and the ECN (Electoral Commission of Namibia) for working as a team with the police. That is why we are rejoicing in a successful outcome of our free, fair and credible elections. We should congratulate ourselves as a nation and united we will always be victorious,” Ndeitunga stated.
Many people however allegedly stockpiled up on booze already by Thursday when they found out that no liquor outlet would be allowed to open on election day. There were also incidences in Katutura where some individuals allegedly showed up at the polling stations under the influence of alcohol.
In this regard, he said the police also acted promptly to ensure the drunkards did not disrupt voting.
“If we could continue to operate and work together, Namibia will be one of the countries having a good reputation in the world,” said Ndeitunga.
By Albertina Nakale