Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) MP Maximalliant Katjimune has questioned the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, to explain why President Hage Geingob congratulated Zimbabwe's re-elected President Emmerson Mnangagwa amid reports that the national elections failed to meet some of the constitutional requirements.
Katjimune posed the question when the National Assembly resumed yesterday.
Elections Observer Missions, including SADC, stated in their reports on the August 23rd and 24th Harmonised General Elections that the country failed to meet some constitutional requirements.
Katjimune further stated that Zimbabwe's elections have been tainted by accusations of irregularities over the years.
"This action by President Geingob is inconsistent with Namibia's long-standing commitment to democratic principles and human rights, both regionally and internationally; moreover, Hon Speaker, the preliminary SADC Observer report says and comes to a damming conclusion that aspects of the elections fell short of meeting the constitutional requirements of Zimbabwe and SADC principles."
Swapo Party MPs heckled Katjimune, who quickly sought the intervention of the Speaker, Professor Peter Katjivivi.
The nbc News sorted for a response from Minister Nandi-Ndaitwah on the question put to her by Katjimune.
Though expected to give her official response next Thursday, Nandi-Ndaitwah stated that the government has always congratulated winners of elections all over the world, including those of SADC.
She maintained that Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa was declared the victor, and Namibia stood by its culture by congratulating him.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said she is not aware of any party that has lodged a complaint with the Zimbabwean courts disputing the elections.
The State House agreed with Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The Press Secretary, Dr. Alfredo Hengari, says President Geingob congratulated his counterpart following the election results announcement by the Zimbabwean Electoral Commission, which is a competent institution in that country.
It is customary, once results have been announced, for the president to congratulate his counterparts.
Dr. Hengari concluded that Namibia respects the sovereignty of other countries.
Emmerson Mnangagwa scored 52.6% and was inaugurated for his second term on Monday.