The Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) is a political party in Namibia. It was formed in June 2014. The party has close links to the South African Economic Freedom Fighters.[3] Economically, the two parties are similar, with the NEFF describing itself as a pro-freedom, anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist movement,[4] to be against foreign exploitation of the country's natural resources, and proposing that land and its natural resources be owned by indigenous people.[5]
Led by former SWAPO member Epafras Mukwiilongo, the party differs from its South African relative in its anti-homosexual rhetoric, with Mukwiilongo stating that "Today, the imperialists are manipulating/influencing our nation through homosexual practices. The NEFF is committed to uniting all Namibians to root out this evil practice. Namibia will never be ruled by homosexuals".[5]
The party contested the 2014 general elections. It only gathered 0.36% of the votes and failed to gain any seats in the National Assembly. Its presidential candidate Mukwilongo came in last of the nine contenders.[6] In the 2019 general election, NEFF won 1.66% of the votes and two seats in parliament, although its presidential candidate Mukwiilongo again finished last.[7]
In June 2024, ECN deregistered NEEF for allegedly not complying with provisions of the Electoral Act of 2014 as they relate to the submission of financial statements.[8] On 8 August 2024, NEEF challenged the case and lost the fight in Electoral Court of Namibia.[9] Again, NEEF challenged the Electoral court ruling early September 2024 with the High Court of Namibia and its case against the ECN, following the cancellation of its registration as a political party in June.[10]
