patth (Patt Haring) (08/20/89)
Ported from PeaceNET: /* Written 12:02 am Aug 18, 1989 by gn:geonet in cdp:reg.safrica */ /* ---------- "SWAPO CONDEMNS REGISTRATION DIFFICU" ---------- */ FROM: NAMIBIA SUPPORT COMMITTEE SWAPO CONDEMNS ELECTORAL DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WALVIS BAY NAMIBIANS Windhoek, 16 August 1989 - SWAPO has condemned disenfranchisement of Walvis Bay Namibians in the country's forthcoming independence elections. A statement issued today by SWAPO regards the exclusion as 'unreasonable and unfair'. It is based on the oppressive nature of the law governing qualification of voters and it disregards longstanding international laws on the rights of people to their national citizenship. SWAPO today called for an end to this denial of voter registration to most Walvis Bay born Namibians. A statement by the SWAPO Election Directorate notes that residents of Walvis Bay are being denied registration as they are unable to satisfy a requirement that South African citizens wishing to register for the Namibian election present a birth certificate issued by South Africa or the colonial government, as well as proof that at least one parent was born in Namibia. This regulation inherently discriminates against blacks as in most cases the parents of black Walvis Bay residents have never been issued with birth certificates. The vast majority were born in rural ares whereas most whites were born in hospitals where they were issued with birth certificates. The effect is that white South Africans who live outside Namibia may register but many Namibians who happen to be residents of Walvis Bay are denied the right. The SWAPO statement urges that the provision discriminating against Walvis Bay residents should be immediately abolished, amended or relaxed to include acceptance of baptismal certificates or verification of birth by parent, guardian or headman etc. The SWAPO statement takes 'adamant exception' to the view that Walvis Bay residents should have to prove Namibian citizenship, and says it is for the South African government to prove that these people are South African citizens. The statement adds that the vast majority of Walvis Bay residents consider themselves Namibians. Thousands of citizens of the Bay have joined SWAPO in exile, have fought for independence, and deserve to enjoy the same rights of citizenship as every other Namibia, says the Election Directorate. SOURCE: NAMPA --- Patt Haring | UNITEX : United Nations patth@sci.ccny.cuny.edu | Information patth@ccnysci.BITNET | Transfer Exchange