The resolution 435 election in Namibia

ABSTRACT

Based on extensive personal observation of and involvement in the preparatory stages of the independence election in Namibia, this article describes the format of the election and tries to interpret its outcome in terms of the standards of freeness and fairness. It is argued that, although the election was officially pronounced free by the Secretary General's Special Representative, freeness was hampered by two factors: the phenomenon known as ‘tribal voting’ and, to a lesser degree, by various forms of intimidation. Fairness in this particular instance was closely linked to the proportionality of the outcome. In this regard it was found that the elections produced something very close to absolute proportionality.