The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has announced that 21 political parties have met all legal requirements and will participate in the upcoming National Assembly elections, scheduled for November 27, 2024. This election is seen as a critical moment in Namibia’s democratic process, offering voters a wide range of choices from various political ideologies and movements.
The ECN revealed the official list of political parties, which includes both long-standing and emerging groups:
1. Action Democratic Movement
2. Affirmative Repositioning
3. All People’s Party
4. Body of Christ
5. Christian Democratic Voice Party
6. Congress of Democrats
7. Independent Patriots for Change
8. Landless People’s Movement
9. Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters
10. National Democratic Party of Namibia
11. National Empowerment Fighting Corruption
12. National Patriotic Front of Namibia
13. National Unity Democratic Organisation of Namibia
14. Popular Democratic Movement
15. Rally for Democracy and Progress
16. Republican Party of Namibia
17. SWANU of Namibia
18. SWAPO Party of Namibia
19. United Democratic Front of Namibia
20. United Namibians Party
21. United People’s Movement
The inclusion of parties such as the ruling SWAPO Party, which has dominated Namibia's political landscape since independence, alongside newer movements like IPC, Affirmative Repositioning and the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters, sets the stage for a highly contested election.
The ECN has assured the public that all preparations for the elections are proceeding as planned, and they encourage all eligible citizens to participate in the upcoming democratic exercise. With such a diverse political landscape, the 2024 elections are expected to reflect the changing dynamics of Namibian politics, with voters seeking solutions to economic, social, and developmental challenges.