Opposition parties are sceptical over the new electronic voting system to be used in the presidential and parliamentary elections in November. Some of the opposition say the electronic voting machines (EVMs) should not be used because they were not previously tested in Namibia and the electorate have not been educated on them, while others propose the ballot and electronic systems be used together. E-voting is a term encompassing several different types of voting, embracing the electronic means of casting a vote, storing the voting record in some database and electronically counting the votes. In interviews on Monday,some parties decried the Electoral Commission of Namibia’s plans to introduce the new system, while others claim the new system can be the panacea for smooth elections if some of the nitty-gritties are addressed.
“People have not been educated and therefore may not be in a position to use the new voting system. If ECN forces through the electronic voting system then the two systems must be used concurrently,” said Swanu president Usutuaije Maamberua.
He wants the electronic and ballot tendering systems to be used simultaneously to enable his party to detect any discrepancies that may arise during polling.
Maamberua was also dismayed over the fact that certain disputatious contents of the electoral law pointed out by Chief Justice Peter Shivute when delivering judgment in the 2009 election challenge case were yet to be amended.
Full Article: Opposition cynical over EVMs.