A Johannesburg-based company, Ren-Form CC, has secured the contract to print the ballot papers for Namibia’s upcoming elections, scheduled for 27 November. This follows a last-minute emergency procurement process by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), according to a statement released on the commission’s Facebook page on Thursday evening.
Ren-Form was identified as the most responsive bidder, meeting the established specifications for the design, printing, supply, and delivery of the ballot papers, said Peter Shaama, ECN’s chief electoral and referenda officer.
“The commission has extended an invitation to all authorized party representatives to observe how the ballot papers will be printed and packaged to ensure transparency,” Shaama added. He assured stakeholders and the public that the ECN is committed to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
However, despite the formal announcement by the ECN, the tender award has sparked controversy following claims regarding the ownership of Ren-Form. Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono revealed that the contract may involve Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivhayo, a figure known for his involvement in questionable election material deals in his home country.
Chivhayo is said to have won a US$60 million contract to supply election materials for Namibia’s elections, according to sources within the Namibian government. His past involvement in a controversial deal in Zimbabwe led to a fallout with associates Mike Chimombe and Mose Mpofu, both of whom are now facing charges related to a corruption scheme that defrauded funds intended for rural development.
These new claims have raised concerns in Namibia over potential integrity issues surrounding the procurement process, although the ECN has yet to directly address the Chivhayo allegations.
Namibia’s elections, set for 27 November, are expected to see significant scrutiny as the country navigates the fallout from the claims, with voters, political parties, and international observers paying close attention to the transparency and fairness of the process.
For now, the ECN maintains that the process is on track, and Ren-Form has been tasked with delivering the critical materials required for the elections.
