Lahja Nashuuta
Loide Jason
Voters in the Kunene region are amongst those who will cast their votes today in a by-election to elect a new regional councillor. The two constituencies being contested are Sesfontein and Kamanjab.
The vacancy in Sesfontein constituency was created after former United Democratic Front (UDF) councillor Nico Somaeb left the post to serve in Parliament.
There are four candidates vying for the seat namely Bennie Ganuseb representing the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), Bernadus //Hoeb of the United Democratic Front (UDF), Joshua Vemuit Hatjaa Matics Kaisuma, representing the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) and Titus Uaondjua Rungondo of Swapo.
Kamanjab will be contested by three candidates: Nikodemus Amutenya representing Swapo, Jacobus Namaseb of the UDF and Dansiki Ganaseb (IPC).
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) says all preparations have been completed. Kunene Regional ECN Coordinator Mike Nganjone confirmed that voting teams and materials have been deployed across the constituency.
“All teams are on the ground. Sensitive and non-sensitive election materials have been delivered, and we’ve faced no logistical issues so far. Everything is in place to ensure a smooth and transparent process,” Nganjone said.
There are 5 231 registered voters in Sesfontein. Nganjone called all eligible voters to come out in numbers and exercise their democratic rights.
“We trained our officials, deployed 26 polling stations, of which 12 permanent and 14 are mobile. To boost the voters’ turnout, Nganjone said voter education has also been a priority. “I’m optimistic about turnout,” he added.
In Kamanjab, Returning Officer Kizzy Dudu Murorua said the constituency is fully prepared for the election.
Murorua said the deployment of election officials and materials was already underway, with some teams having already left for their destinations.
“We are quite ready, and we are prepared. We are just waiting to go to the polls tomorrow (today),” she said.
A total of 18 teams have been assigned across the constituency—five are fixed, and 13 are mobile. Each team includes five trained officials: a presiding officer and four polling officers handling different responsibilities such as queue control and mobile operations.
“Two of my fixed teams have already left Kamiya,” said Murorua. “They are heading to Shiboto and St. Michael’s, which are about 70 kilometres outside Kamiya. The other teams are currently at the police station loading materials.”
She confirmed that all officials underwent proper training before deployment.
“All our polling officials have been trained. They understand the voting procedures, how to manage the stations, and how to assist voters. They are well-prepared to carry out their duties,” she said.
Meanwhile, security has also been reinforced. Regional Police Commissioner James Nderura confirmed that 88 officers have been deployed across 44 polling stations in Kunene.
“We are fully prepared. All teams have moved to their respective posts to ensure peace and order throughout the voting process,” he said.
Leaders rally support
The campaign period ended over the weekend, and party leaders made their final calls for support. Vice President Lucia Witbooi rallying votes for her party Swapo in Otjokavare over the weekend, asked voters to give her party another chance.
Witbooi called on residents to “correct past mistakes” by electing Swapo candidate Hungondo. She described the by-election as a turning point for the party ahead of the regional and local elections later this year.
“This election is not just about one seat. It’s about the future of Sesfontein. Swapo has a clear vision to create jobs, improve schools and make better use of our natural resources to uplift communities,” Witbooi said.
She said Rungondo is a tested and trusted candidate, chosen through a transparent internal process.
Meanwhile, UDF candidate //Hoeb is promising real, people-centred development. He said he would focus on supporting small miners, creating opportunities for local businesses, and pushing for better healthcare services.
“I have deep roots in this community. I grew up here. I know what our people go through every day. I know what our people are going through, and I am committed to being an accountable and hardworking representative. I want to be a councillor who listens and brings real change,” //Hoeb said.
PDM secretary general Manuel Ngarigombe has called on voters to rally behind their candidate, Matrics, describing him as a “son of the soil” who was born and raised in the constituency.
Speaking to New Era, Matrics pledged to prioritise capital projects aimed at uplifting the youth and boosting economic development in the area.
“He will identify incomplete or neglected capital projects and ensure that some of them are finally implemented,” Ngarigombe said. He added, “Secondly, he intends to focus on agriculture, as this is an agriculturally rich region. He wants to support farmers who have suffered great losses due to years of drought by introducing sustainable solutions and strengthening the agricultural sector,” said Ngarigombe
Matrics also plans to tap into the region’s untapped tourism potential, addressing the ongoing human-wildlife conflict that has become a serious concern in conservancy areas.
The candidate has committed to improving road infrastructure, particularly the construction of much-needed bridges to ease travel and trade in remote areas.
“He will also turn his attention to the region’s small-scale mining activities, ensuring that local miners are supported and that these ventures become profitable and beneficial to the community,” he said.