Editorial

The decision by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) to finally use its powers to hold political parties entrusted with public resources accountable for failing in their duty, should be welcomed by all and sundry.

Revelations this week by Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate that the region recorded 300 cases of malnutrition from January to June, including 263 hospital admissions, nine readmissions and 26 deaths - sent a chill down the nation’s collective spine.

The year 2024 has already been dubbed as the year of elections.

Everything will come to a standstill next week when the nation and the African continent bid farewell to one of its own. Since 4 February 2024, and with shattered hearts, Namibians from all walks of life have been struggling to come to terms with the passing on of our third democratically elected president.

Namibia stands at a pivotal juncture, poised to affirm its commitment to justice and human dignity through passing of the long-awaited divorce bill in the National Assembly.

The onslaught of socio-economic challenges on the lives of ordinary Namibians has reached a breaking point.

In the face of adversity, there often emerges a glimmer of hope, a beacon guiding us towards resilience and renewal.

By dispatching voter registration material and equipment to all 14 regions and Namibian diplomatic missions abroad, the Electoral Commission of Namibia has signalled a crucial phase on the election calendar.

Back in 2022, the government proposed changes to the Combating of Rape Act to increase the minimum sentencing of perpetrators for up to 20 years in prison from the current 10 years to 15 years.