Since December 2001 the Namibian government has maintained a ban on advertising in The Namibian newspaper and purchase of the newspaper using public funds. This ban was effected by a Cabinet resolution 38/05/12/00/001 of 5 December 2001, allegedly because the newspaper was reporting negatively on government leadership and the ruling party. This ban demonstrates the intolAs Namibia prepares for elections in the coming few weeks, MISA expresses serious concern and condemnation of the continued use of the 2002 cabinet decree. Recently this ban was cited by the Electoral Commission of Namibian as the reason why the body could not deal with the newspaper. Despite this, The Namibian demonstrated immense magnanimity in placing voter education information from the ECN for free, a costly civic duty that was applauded by the ECN and also appreciated by MISA.
Critically the citing of the ban by the ECN demonstrates that this ban is not only on paper but influences decision of public institutions in Namibia. MISA reiterates its position that this ban is a serious violation of media and freedom of expression rights as the intention is to arm twist the newspaper to report in way acceptable to the ruling elite. We bring it to the attention of the Namibian government that a key role of the media is also to be critical, and ask the hard questions to those in power so that they can be accountable and transparent in their dealings on public matters. Having sought public office voluntarily, public officials should subject themselves and be prepared for more scrutiny and should take criticism as a key ingredient of any functional democracy. MISA is convinced that this ban is a bloat on the democratic credentials of Namibia. This ban negates the fact that public funds and public business is done on behalf of citizens and that The Namibian is a bona fide newspaper that continues to play a key role in informing citizens on various developments in Namibia. MISA notes that this ban is not consistent with democratic practice that citizens of Namibian pride themselves, as it unnecessarily divides society more so, the media. The ban goes against the spirit of reconciliation, tolerance and peace.
As Namibia prepares for elections it is fair to say that by maintaining the ban on The Namibian, the government is deliberately denying information to citizens hence altering the electoral playing field. If the government is serious about entrenching democracy and ensuring free and fair elections, where all citizens, are treated equally and fairly before the law, then we say, LIFT THIS BAN.