The parties threatened to boycott the November 27 and 28 elections if the ECN does not reverse the awarding of its tender for the printing of ballot papers to Namprint.
Political parties have requested an urgent
meeting with the ECN and its commissioners next Monday to iron out the issue.
Political parties questioned the fairness of having ballots printed at a company owned by a party contesting the same elections, saying a conflict of interest could not be ruled out.
Although the ECN Chairperson, Victor Tonchi, who is expected to chair the meeting could not be reached for comment, a source within the ECN confirmed the meeting to the Southern Times Times.
The tender was advertised in New Era and the Republikein last month, calling for suitably qualified Namibian companies to apply.
Four companies applied. They are Namprint, Solitaire Press, a United Kingdom-based company Smith & Ouzman, Printing Solution and Advance Graphics.
The ECN said it requested for quotations that clearly outline specifications and particular features companies had to adhere to, and which were obtainable at the ECN.
All submissions had to be placed with the Tender Board secretariat at the Ministry of Finance, with a deadline of October 1 at noon.
The ECN said all submissions were opened in the presence of officials of the Tender Board secretariat, and that the commission with the assistance of the Tender Board secretariat made an evaluation.
The ECN said the tender went to Namprint, which tendered at N$914 276.16, on the basis that it met all specifications, and that it was favourable in terms of value for money.
The selection process found that Advance Graphics quoted for N$4 312 762.81, and did not meet specifications with respect to security arrangements.
Smith & Ouzman, which quoted at N$568 579, was disqualified as invitations were only for Namibian companies.
Solitaire Press quoted at N$1 989 500, but did not meet specifications in respect of the delivery date.
Namibians go to the polls on November 27and 28 to elect a new President and National Assembly.
-additional reporting by New Era
