Opposition parties in Namibia reject Gerson Sindano's appointment to ECN, demand full documentation

Sindano is currently an ECN commissioner, with his term set to expire in June 2027. The term of the current ECN chairperson ends on September 16. Affirmative Repositioning AR member of parliament Job Amupanda has filed an urgent High Court application to prevent parliament from voting on Sindano's appointment and the approval of other commissioners.

Amupanda's affidavit requests that members of parliament receive interview minutes, applicants' score sheets, and the selection committee’s recommendations before any vote, arguing that lawmakers cannot make an informed decision otherwise. Opposition leaders, speaking at a joint press conference, stated they would not be rushed into approving nominees while questions about the recommendation and nomination process remain. They also expressed concerns about Sindano’s past role as a personal assistant to Swapo’s secretary general, suggesting it could compromise public confidence in the ECN's independence.

Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry Venaani emphasized that the opposition's stance aims to protect parliamentary integrity and ensure constitutional procedures are followed. Official opposition leader Imms Nashinge accused National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila of allowing unfair treatment