By A Correspondent | Windhoek, Namibia — The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has issued a firm denial against allegations linking Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo to the printing of Namibia’s ballot papers for the upcoming 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections. In a media release dated October 18, 2024, the ECN strongly refuted claims of corruption related to the awarding of the ballot paper production contract.

The contract, valued at N$6.26 million, was awarded to South African-based Ren-Form CC, a reputable firm with a solid track record in printing electoral materials for over 70 elections across the African continent. The ECN clarified that Ren-Form CC is not affiliated with Chivayo, who is controversially associated with corruption in Zimbabwe. According to the ECN, these allegations are part of a broader misinformation campaign intended to sow distrust in Namibia’s electoral process.

“The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) unequivocally refutes the malicious and baseless allegations being circulated regarding the award of the contract for the procurement of ballot papers for the November 2024 Presidential and National Assembly Elections,” the ECN stated. They further emphasized that “such unfounded claims are made to cast a shadow on the integrity of Namibia’s electoral system, which the Commission will not allow.”

The rebuttal follows concerns raised by Namibia’s Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), represented by legal firm Theunissen, Louw & Partners. In a letter addressed to the ECN, the PDM claimed that Chivayo, through his alleged ties to Ren-Form CC, could undermine the integrity of Namibia’s elections, citing his past involvement in Zimbabwe’s disputed 2023 elections. The letter stated, “It has come to our client’s attention that the controversial businessman, Wicknell Chivayo, is connected to the supplier, Ren-Form CC. Given the exploits of Mr. Chivayo and his alleged connections to corrupt dealings as reported in the media, our client is concerned that the integrity and credibility of the election process… would be undermined.”

However, the ECN responded directly to these concerns, reaffirming that Ren-Form CC is a South African company, completely independent from any Zimbabwean entities or individuals. They clarified, “Ren-Form CC is a South African company, not a Zimbabwean company, and boasts a solid track record of printing ballot papers for over 70 elections on the continent in the past 20 years.”

In response to the escalating allegations, the ECN emphasized that the procurement process was transparent and in full compliance with Namibia’s legal frameworks, noting that factors like “technical requirements, cost-effectiveness, reliability, and the ability to meet strict timelines” were key to the selection. The commission condemned the spread of misinformation, urging citizens and political actors to rely on credible sources as the country prepares for the November 2024 elections.

This comes amidst growing regional concerns over electoral interference, as Zimbabwe’s recent elections, in which Chivayo has been implicated, were condemned by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for irregularities. However, the ECN insists that Namibia’s elections remain free and fair, dismissing any potential influence from external parties.

As the electoral season intensifies, the ECN reiterated its commitment to ensuring a transparent and credible election process, while firmly rejecting any baseless accusations intended to discredit their operations. “The Commission will not tolerate baseless accusations meant to discredit our work,” the ECN warned in its release, challenging any parties with concrete evidence of wrongdoing to “present it through the appropriate channels.”

With the election date drawing near, the ECN concluded by urging Namibians to remain vigilant, stating, “We urge all Namibians to remain vigilant and informed by relying on credible, verified information.”

As of now, no evidence has been presented to substantiate claims of corruption or irregularities regarding the appointment of Ren-Form CC.