Lahja Nashuuta
The upcoming five by-elections could give Namibians a glimpse of whether the regional councils and local authorities will live up to their billing later this year.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has officially launched supplementary voters registration in preparation for the upcoming by-elections.
They are set to take place on 17 June 2025.
Eligible voters, those who have recently turned 18 or who could not for any reason register during the voters’ registration last year are urged to visit registration points from 10 to 12 April 2025.
The supplementary voters registration will be conducted in five constituencies across the country.
These are Kamanjab and Sesfontein in Kunene, Kabbe South in Zambezi as well as Grootfontein and Otjiwarongo in the Otjozondjupa region.
The by-elections follow the resignation of several councillors, who were elected to the National Assembly after the November 2024 national elections.
The councillors who vacated their seats include United Democratic Front’s Nico Somaeb (Kamanjab), Hendrik Gaobaeb (Sesfontein), Marlyn Mbakera (Otjiwarongo), Elder Filipe (Grootfontein) and John Likando at Kabbe South.
The ECN, in partnership with various stakeholders, launched an extensive campaign to encourage eligible voters to register.
Spokesperson De Wet Siluka stated that voter and civic education activities have been underway across the five regions, where the supplementary registration will take place.
“We are actively engaging in voter education campaigns through various channels, including the distribution of flyers, face-to-face engagements, radio interviews and social media. This is to ensure that people know who is eligible to register and where to go to register,” he said.
It is important to note that this registration is not for issuing duplicate cards.
If a person registered last year and is still residing in the same constituency, there is no need for re-registration.
Siluka said for those who have lost their voter’s cards, the ECN will issue duplicates between 10 and 12 June.
He highlighted that the ECN has worked with political parties to outline the electoral schedule for the upcoming by-elections.
Training for registration officials has also been initiated in preparation for the supplementary voter registration.
Photo: Heather Erdmann