Namibia Opposition Rejects Election Results Amid Allegations

Voting in Namibia's general election experienced significant disruptions, leading to extended polling until Saturday due to logistical issues, including a shortage of ballot papers and technical malfunctions. The main opposition party, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), led by presidential candidate Panduleni Itula, has declared it will not recognize the election results, citing 'glaring, undeniable, and unacceptable' irregularities. Preliminary results show Swapo’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in the lead with 48% of the vote, while Itula trails with 30%, but the IPC claims widespread voter suppression and disenfranchisement occurred. Itula announced plans to contest the election outcome through legal means and urged citizens to document any electoral irregularities. Observers have reported intentional delays in voting processes at many polling stations, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral system. The situation reflects a critical moment for Namibia's democracy, as the IPC seeks to protect citizens' rights to free and fair elections.