ONEKWAYA-EAST – The Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) has expressed its objection to the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) without paper trails despite the advantages of EVMs.
The official opposition RDP party said despite the explanation given by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) that the paper trail is not an issue, the RDP does not trust the EVMs.
They suggested EVMs be run parallel with ballot papers so that they are assured EVMs are not pre-set to favour one party – referring to Swapo.
“We want transparency, we want to ensure that where one has pressed on the EVM is what the voter really intended to do,” said the RDP regional secretary for Ohangwena, Timoteus Shikongo.
The charges were made at a RDP rally held at Onekwaya-East in the Oshikango Constituency in Ohangwena Region on Saturday.
Although the RDP had in the previous years claimed that Oshikango Constituency is one of their strongholds since most of their national leaders are from there, the first rally at Onekwaya-East was poorly attended despite being addressed by its secretary for information and publicity Jeremiah Nambinga who is from the area.
The Ohangwena regional secretary for the RDP told supporters that the RDP will never trust EVMs without a paper trail.
He accused Swapo of cheating during previous elections and this was apparently their motive not to have paper trails so that they can manipulate EVMs.
“Where is the transparency? If they have failed to take ballot papers to court, how much more about taking EVMs to court for evidence?” questioned Shikongo.
On his part Nambinga the RDP secretary for information and publicity informed those in attendance to go and vote for RDP if they want a better future and prosperity.
Nambinga said those who are going to vote for Swapo will vote for the continuation of poverty, misappropriation of funds, underdevelopment, self-enrichment and deep-rooted corruption.
He said the ruling party has failed the people and continues dragging them into absolute poverty.
He said the president in particular has failed the people by failing to root out corruption as he promised when he took office 10 years ago.
“The president is getting a N$35-million house for what? Is it to thank him for strengthening corruption? Or because he has made the poor poorer?” questioned Nambinga.
He condemned the Swapo campaign’s “bus show-off” as evidence that once some leaders are in power they are going to misappropriate public funds.
“I am informed that the Swapo presidential candidate showed up at Eenhana in a new luxurious Mercedez Benz. That is like saying come you poor people and vote for us,” said Nambinga.
Nambinga said under the RDP government no child will be taught under a tree as is the case in some parts of the country now.
He urged people to vote for better education, competitive salaries for teachers and increased social grants.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Ohangwena Region Uusko Nghaamwa dismissed the RDP allegations.
“They have nothing else to say, what else they can say besides criticizing?” questioned Nghaamwa.
Nghaamwa said the story at hand is on par with what happened between Satan and God.
“Satan has never been in favour with God and has always criticized God, but he has no heaven up to now,” said Nghaamwa jokingly.
The governor said corruption should be fought collectively. He said it is not the job of the president, police or government – “it is everybody’s responsibility.”
Other RDP rallies were held over the weekend at Ekoka, Okongo, Endola and Ehanga.