Africa-Press – Namibia.
The just-concluded by-election in the Sesfontein constituency has been hit by allegations of vote buying, where voters were allegedly offered nominal fees ranging from N$50 and N$100 to vote for a certain party by party agents.
As an assurance, the party agents – allegedly from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) – allegedly confiscated voter cards of several individuals in the constituency and instructed them to vote for their party.
At the centre of the controversy are IPC candidate Bennie Ganuseb and his wife, Veronica Kararapo Ganuses.
Multiple complaints allege that the two were involved in collecting voter cards and offering cash incentives ranging from N$50 to N$100 in exchange for votes.
According to sources who spoke to New Era, the alleged vote-buying scheme reportedly included a system where IPC agents collected voter cards and later accompanied individuals to polling stations under the guise of helping them.
“I was at a bar when someone approached me and offered me N$100 for my vote,” said one alleged victim, who requested anonymity. “I accepted, but the next morning I changed my mind and asked for my voter’s card back. He refused.”
The victim later confronted the IPC candidate at his house to retrieve his card. “His wife told me to return the money first. That’s when I went to the police. The officers accompanied me to the house and ordered her to return the voter card,” he said.
Another resident told New Era, “They said they didn’t care which party I belonged to, they just needed my vote for this election. I agreed at first, but later I decided to vote for the party of my choice.”
Kunene Regional Police commander, Commissioner James Nderura, confirmed the incident, stating that it had been brought to his attention by member of Parliament Jenelly Matundu.
“She informed me that some of her party members had their voter cards confiscated by IPC. When they attempted to retrieve them, the candidate’s wife allegedly refused to hand them over,” Nderura said.
He added, “I instructed the station commander at Sesfontein to thoroughly investigate the matter and report back.”
Following police intervention, the voter cards were eventually returned to their owners and were able to cast their votes independently.
Both Ganuseb and Ganuses refused to comment on the matter when approached for comment.
IPC’s national spokesperson and Leader of the Official Opposition Imms Nashinge denied the allegations, maintaining the party’s commitment to integrity and the rule of law.
“I was not at the scene, so I cannot speak for those being accused. But from where I stand, the accusations do not make sense. IPC is a law-abiding party, and we train our members to respect the electoral laws. Such behaviour goes against everything we stand for,” he said.
Electoral Commissioner Pius Iikuambi expressed concern over allegations of vote buying, calling the claims disturbing.
He, however, emphasised the need for due process before making any formal conclusions.
“What you’re telling me right now is quite disturbing, and I wouldn’t want to comment on it just in a rush for the purpose of putting something on record,” Iikuambi said, adding that the incident must first be verified through official records such as the presiding officer’s occurrence book.
He underscored the importance of determining whether the alleged conduct constitutes an offence under the Electoral Act or the Code of Conduct for political parties.
“I obviously have to check the facts if it has been recorded in the occurrence book, then we have to take it up and verify whether the conduct in question is an offence in terms of the Electoral Act or the Code of Conduct,” he explained.
Iikuambi further highlighted that voter cards are strictly the property of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) and must only be used to confirm voter eligibility. He cautioned that if the case involves criminal elements, it falls under police jurisdiction.
Voting
Hundreds of residents turned out at 26 fixed and 12 mobile polling stations across Sesfontein to cast their votes. By midday, according to Kunene Regional Electoral Commission Coordinator Mike Nganjone, approximately half of all registered voters had already participated in the poll.
At Kamanjab constituency, residents who turned out to vote in yesterday’s by-election said they are hoping the newly elected leader will bring long-awaited development.
The residents want Kamanjab to be upgraded from a village council to town status. They expressed concerns over the slow pace of development and called for urgent attention to issues such as job creation, youth empowerment and access to basic services.
Among them is Marlien Gorases, who said she wants the new leader to prioritise employment opportunities and sports initiatives for the youth.
“I woke up as early as possible to cast my vote because I want a leader who will bring development. Our youth are just roaming the streets with nothing to do. If they had jobs or sports activities to keep them busy, they wouldn’t be turning to illicit activities,” she said.
Gorases also raised concerns about rising crime and alcohol abuse in the area, which she attributed to high youth unemployment.
“There is nothing happening here. You’ve been driving around—what development have you seen besides the service stations?” she asked, adding that the incoming leader should consider building a proper sports field to accommodate various activities for the youth.
Another resident, Filesimina Fillemon, who voted at D.F. Uirab Primary School, voiced frustration over the lack of banking services and retail options in the village.
“The only banking service available is through NamPost. There’s no First National Bank, no Bank Windhoek, nothing. We have to travel over 300 kilometres to Otjiwarongo or Outjo just to access proper banking. It’s frustrating. I hope the new leader will prioritise bringing those services here,” she said after casting her vote.
At Kamanjab Community Hall, Johannes Shilula was the first in line, arriving at 04h00 to cast his vote.
“I want change. We are suffering here. We need jobs and more engagement activities for the youth. That’s why I came early to vote,” he said.
Another early voter, Magdalena Mbahuma, expressed her excitement at being part of the democratic process.
“I’m happy that my voice will be heard. I want to contribute to the change I want to see—especially job opportunities for us residents,” she said.
Official results of the by-elections in all six constituencies contested – Kabbe South, Otjiwarongo, Kamanjab, Sesfontein, Otjiwarongo and Grootfontein are expected to be announced later today.
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