MARIENTAL – As tensions rise ahead of Namibia’s upcoming elections, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani has voiced concern about its credibility during a rally in Mariental on Sunday.
He criticised the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) for awarding a controversial ballot printing tender to South African company Ren-Form CC.
He stated “What we are witnessing is a brazen attempt to undermine our democratic process”.
He emphasised that Ren-Form CC is embroiled in a N$570-million corruption scandal in Zimbabwe.
He accused the ECN of playing a dangerous game by allowing foreign operatives to interfere in Namibia’s elections.
“This corrupt network threatens the very foundation of our democracy. It should not be allowed for ECN to import corruption,” he said.
The PDM has announced plans to lead a protest in Windhoek today to deliver a petition to ECN.
Venaani said the ECN move is designed to ensure that the ruling party, Swapo, secures a two-thirds majority in the upcoming elections.
He asserted, “The figures around the country show clearly that Swapo will not achieve the two-thirds majority. It is gone. Now, they want to steal the election”.
He expressed his determination to monitor the situation closely.
“Swapo and ECN, I am watching you. You are bringing a corrupt Zimbabwean-linked company that threatens the credibility of our democracy,” said Venaani.
ECN dispatched a delegation to Johannesburg to observe the design, layout, production, printing, and packaging of ballot papers.
The delegation includes authorised representatives from various political parties and ECN staff members.
The 18 political parties that went are the Action Democratic Movement, Affirmative Repositioning, All People’s Party, Body of Christ, Congress of Democrats, Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), Landless People’s Movement (LPM), Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters, National Democratic Party of Namibia, National Empowerment Fighting Corruption, National Patriotic Front of Namibia, National Unity Democratic Organisation of Namibia (Nudo), Rally for Democracy and Progress, Swanu of Namibia, Swapo, United Democratic Front of Namibia, United Namibians Party and United People’s Movement.
The Christian Democratic Voice Party, the Republican Party of Namibia and PDM have withdrawn from travelling.
ECN addressed allegations circulating in the media regarding the contract’s cost, clarifying that the total amount is far less than the inflated figure of N$1 billion being reported.
“To be clear and set the record straight, the total cost of this contract is N$6 259 686”.
Despite these assurances, opposition parties remain unconvinced.
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has demanded full public disclosure of all documents related to Ren-Form’s procurement, while the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) and other groups have threatened protests if the ECN does not withdraw the tender.
Pressing issue
Venaani expressed disappointment over the ruling party’s decision during the recent address on the recognition of the Baster community in Namibia, following the rejection of a Private Member’s Bill aimed at acknowledging their Traditional Authority.
His call for action comes as he urges President Nangolo Mbumba and government to reconsider their stance on this issue.
“I am asking again. It is unacceptable that this community has waited too long for recognition. I call upon the government to recognise them,” he declared.
He criticised the Swapo Party members for dismissing the legitimate concerns of the Baster community.
When in power, the current official opposition party vowed to call for a state of emergency for youth unemployment, with a focus on a 50% value-addition process locally to increase employment, and ensure everyone in Namibia benefits from the country’s richness.
Venaani pointed out that the Hardap region in Namibia, known for its livestock farming and agricultural industry, has significant potential, but lags in development due to persistent droughts, food insecurity and poverty.
The people lack access to healthcare, roads, education and basic sanitation, highlighting the need for government attention and action.
“What’s even worse is that the regional leadership, instead of addressing these pressing issues, has chosen to place all its hopes on the promises of the green hydrogen project, which is yet to start – let alone produce a dollar in profit.
“The question we must ask ourselves is, should the people of Hardap wait and languish in poverty for years before this project takes off?” he questioned.
Through pragmatic policy formulation, stakeholder collaboration and transparent governance, the PDM pledged to galvanise Namibia’s agricultural sector.
He said the plan is to establish community-based food storage and distribution networks to mitigate post-harvest losses and ensure food reaches vulnerable populations.
“We are also committed to the welfare of our farmers, and plan to introduce legislation to lower barriers for small-scale farmers to access supply contracts from large-scale chain stores, ensuring fair and transparent procurement practices,” he said.