Auleria Wakudumo
The Outapi constituency is ready to head to the polls on Monday, with the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) announcing that all systems are in place for the much-anticipated by-election.
A total of 210 polling officials has been recruited and are undergoing a week-long training programme to equip them with the necessary skills to manage the process.
They will be deployed across 40 fixed polling stations and four mobile units to ensure every eligible voter has access to the ballot.The Outapi seat became vacant on 1 July 2025 when the sitting councillor, Immanuel Shikongo, was appointed as the Omusati Regional governor by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Following his appointment, the vacancy was formally gazetted in Government Gazette No. 8692 on 18 July 2025 in accordance with Section 10(2) of the Regional Councils Act, 1992 (Act No. 22 of 1992). Under Section 10(3) of the same Act, a casual vacancy must be filled by election within three months, unless the remaining term of the original officeholder is due to expire within that same three-month window.
The Outapi by-election has narrowed to a two-party showdown between the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and Swapo. The nomination process concluded in August 2025.A public sitting for candidate announcements was held at Outapi. Two candidates will be contesting for the seat. The contenders are Fillemon Shikwambi of the IPC and Selma Asino of Swapo.
Swapo emphasised on the local governance track record of Asino.
The party’s Women’s Council secretary noted Asino’s extensive experience – more than 10 years as a Swapo league administrator, over five years as a town councillor and mayor as well as service as treasurer of the party’s women’s wing. She often engaged in grassroots projects and interfaced with regional structures.
IPC highlighted that Shikwambi formerly served as councillor on a Swapo ticket.
Thus, he already understands many of the constituency’s challenges.