In joint heads of arguments filed with the Supreme Court, Swapo Party Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa and President-Elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reject the legal challenge filed by Dr. Panduleni Itula, who is contesting the outcome of the recent presidential election.

The ruling party and its leadership maintain that the election was conducted fairly and in accordance with the law, dismissing Itula’s claims as vague and unsubstantiated.

The two state in court documents that the controversy erupted when Itula, leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), publicly declared on November 30, even before results were announced, that his party had made an “unshakable decision” not to accept the outcome. 

They further informed the court that Itula alleged that the voting process was deeply flawed, citing claims of voter disenfranchisement and procedural irregularities.

In his legal challenge, Itula argued that unauthorised verification tablets were used, that the Electoral Commission of Namibia improperly extended voting in some areas, and that votes were counted in a manner not sanctioned by the Electoral Act.

He further accused President Nangolo Mbumba of unlawfully approving an extension of voting hours and locations.

But Nandi-Ndaitwah, along with the Swapo Party, has dismissed these claims.

According to their legal response, the voting extension applied only to 36 polling stations and was implemented to ensure all citizens had an opportunity to vote.

 The Swapo Party and Nandi-Ndaitwah insist that Itula has failed to prove that any alleged irregularities altered the election results.

They question Dr. Itula's credibility by pointing out 'discrepancies' in a report submitted by IPC’s National General Secretary, Christine !Auchamus.