Andraes Thomas
Political parties have pledged to adhere to the electoral code of conduct, and have promised to educate their members to behave peacefully as election campaigns reach their final stretch, with voting day on 27 November.
Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) chairperson Elsie Nghikembua said party representatives signed the code of conduct on Friday, which ensures that they engage in political activities with dignity and respect for one another.
The signing of the code of conduct by 21 parties represents a significant milestone, as Namibia approaches the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
The secretary general of the governing Swapo, Sophia Shaningwa, said the parties have committed to following the provisions of the electoral code of conduct.
She specifically promised to encourage Swapo supporters to respect other parties, particularly by not destroying their campaign materials.
“Therefore, signing the code of conduct also means that we must protect the items that do not belong to us; and not to encroach on territories that are not ours in terms of tearing up the mobilisation materials of another political party. Therefore, I am calling upon my members not to do that, because it is not a good thing,” she stressed.
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) also committed to adhering to the code of conduct.
“For us, the code of conduct, I think our approach is always to be law-abiding. To do things in line with the provisions. We are going to continue doing that, we have a disciplined following with our supporters and members of the IPC,” said Christine Aochamus, IPC’s national secretary general.
Other political parties, including the United Democratic Front (UDF), have likewise promised to maintain peace and stability during the election campaign in the lead-up to the elections.
“With us, we are a law-abiding party. We will ensure that peace and stability prevail, and that we will abide by the code of conduct,” said UDF secretary general Daniel Tsaneb.
“We will sensitise our members and the electorate to conduct themselves peacefully during this sensitive time”, he added.
-Nampa