“In November 2004, Namibia conducted its third generation of elections at the presidential, parliamentary and regional levels, since it became independent from apartheid South Africa in 1990. After
fourteen years of independence, Namibia has established tolerance for opposition politics. The South West African People’s Organisation (SWAPO) led by President Sam Nujoma remains the dominant party, although there exist political tensions between SWAPO and the main opposition party, Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA). Mr. Hifikepunye Pohamba, the former Minster of Land Affairs and Resettlement, succeeded President Sam Nujoma following his inauguration on March 21, 2005. Even though Namibia might not currently show any signs of open conflict, the symptoms are prevalent. There were allegations of political bias on the part of the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) by affording the ruling SWAPO party a disproportionate amount of television time in contrast to other political parties. Although the Namibian elections received sparse reports of election-related violence, there are contributing factors adversely affecting the consolidation of democracy in Namibia. These include the ever-escalating HIV infection rate, unemployment, political intimidation, imposition of candidates on party lists, harassment of media personnel and journalists, allegations of persistent media bias in favour of the ruling party, and the land reform process. This paper intends to explore election-related conflicts in Namibia and the ongoing debate for electoral reform.”
