An Italian political scientist Leonardo Morlino recognised a ‘good democracy’ as one that presents “a stable institutional structure that realises the liberty and equality of citizens through the legitimate and correct functioning of its institutions and mechanisms”. 

A sort of “legitimated regime” that seeks to completely satisfy its citizenry. Our democracy has been tested. The very core institution that serves to guard the most crucial right to a democracy has failed to carry out its mandate. 

The 2024 elections cannot be singled out as only chaotic. They were a starting point for a crucial test of Namibia’s electoral democracy. The elections were marred by numerous irregularities, including breaches of the Electoral Act and violations of the Constitution. 

I noticed at the polling station where I voted what seemed to be a deliberate attempt to frustrate voters by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN’s) referenda officer and other staff. 

Other clear irregularities were the shortages of ballot papers at polling stations, overheating of tablets, running out of batteries for the torches, and mobile polling stations forcing voters to leave without casting their votes, as reported in the media.

Such maladministration, as South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) reporter Sophie Mokoena pointed out, is rooted in 34 years of consistent legislative reform, which erodes the effectiveness of the institution. 

You cannot bring drastic changes like the introduction of Electronic Voter Machine (EVM’s), and want to completely recall their use and thereafter bring in new people without experiences whatsoever.

By implementing drastic changes like introducing and recalling EVMs and the appointment of inexperienced officials, the ECN found itself in a crisis that is increasingly difficult to resolve, compounding issues rather than addressing them effectively.

To add fire to the fuel is the over-the-top emotional reaction of opposition parties. 

Plato, a Greek philosopher, warned that if left unchecked, emotions can lead to impulsive actions and hinder sound judgment. 

The spread of disinformation also played a part in this.

Yes, the ECN failed to deliver on its mandate, but was it sound judgement for Job Amupanda to call for Namibians to fight? 

Was it sound judgement for opposition parties to reject to speak to the head of the ECN? 

They made errors in judgement.

The ECN errored in recommending an extension of that magnitude to the president without consulting with all stakeholders. 

We have systems and processes that need to be followed. 

Both cases in the High Court and this week’s Presidential election Supreme Court challenge are warranted. Our late president, Dr Hage Geingob, saw the need for strong, independent institutions for citizens to commit to democratic governance and the rule of law. 

Moving on, our first thought should have been trying to amicably solve the ineffectiveness and unpreparedness of the ECN when it came to delivering a simple – not complete – free and fair election. 

However, we were too occupied by our emotions.

The ECN should be a non-committed institution. This means that it must conduct its task without attaching itself to, or in any way being influenced by, any one party or government.

It must conduct itself less like a bureaucracy. That is the same reason why councillors of the City of Windhoek fail to deliver their mandate effectively because they have made themselves bureaucrats. 

Years from now, many will pinpoint 27 November 2024 as the start of a declining democracy if we do not try and fix our mistakes.

The shortcomings of the 2024 elections have brought to light the urgent need for reforms within ECN. 

The irregularities, inefficiencies and failures witnessed are not just administrative blunders but significant threats to the democratic integrity of our nation.

For Namibians to restore their trust in its electoral processes, the commissioners who oversaw this flawed election must take full accountability, and try as much to learn from their mistakes. This will show that they are competent individuals committed to impartiality, transparency and the principles of good governance.

Democracy is an evolving process that demands vigilance and accountability from all stakeholders. As stakeholders in democracy, our role is to hold our institutions accountable through mindful dialogue, working collectively, and the rule of law. 

*Shonena V. Nathanael is a human rights activist, student and a LearningPlanet Youth Fellow. – shonenavn@gmail.com