Lahja Nashuuta
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has launched the final phase of the Supplementary Registration of Voters (SRV), which officially commenced today, 4 August 2025, as the country gears up for the Regional Councils and Local Authorities elections later this year.
The 10-day registration exercise, which will conclude on 19 August 2025, is aimed at ensuring that all eligible Namibian citizens are afforded the opportunity to register to vote and participate in local governance.
According to the ECN, the supplementary registration is not a repeat of the general voter registration but rather an opportunity for specific categories of voters to be included on the final voters’ roll.
These include: First-time voters who have turned 18 years old since the last General Registration of Voters in 2024, voters who have moved to a new constituency and need to update their registration details, as well as those who require a duplicate voter card due to loss, theft, or damage.
In a media statement, Peter Shaama, the Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer at ECN, outlined the importance of this final registration exercise and the requirements for voter eligibility.
“We would like to remind the public that, in order to register, a person must be a Namibian citizen, 18 years or older, and must be able to identify themselves using valid identification documents,” said Shaama.
He added, “Voters must apply for registration in the constituency where they currently reside, and those registering for the Local Authorities elections must also provide proof of residence, showing they have lived in that area for a continuous period of at least 12 months”.
Shaama further stated that the ECN has deployed voter registration teams to all 14 regions of the country, with a total of 4 233 registration points established nationwide. These points include accessible locations such as schools, churches, community centres and municipal offices, to ensure that the registration process is as inclusive and convenient as possible.
“All registration centres will be operational from Monday to Saturday, between 08h00 and 19h00, to accommodate those who may not be available during regular working hours,” he added. The ECN has also launched a nationwide awareness campaign through various media platforms and community outreach initiatives to inform the public about the registration process, eligibility criteria, and locations of registration centres.
Shaama urged especially young people and first-time voters to take advantage of the opportunity, emphasising that their participation is essential for shaping the future of local leadership and community development.
“We are calling on all eligible Namibians, particularly those who recently turned 18, to come forward and register. Your vote matters. These elections determine who will manage your local services, infrastructure, and development priorities,” said the ECN head.
He emphasised that the Supplementary Registration of Voters forms a critical part of the democratic process, ensuring that the final voters’ roll is comprehensive and accurate ahead of the elections.
Shaama reiterated the ECN’s commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections and encouraged citizens to participate actively in shaping the country’s democratic future.