The recently concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections were marked by inefficiencies that saw the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) extending the voting days by two days. Namibians are commended for their eagerness to have their voice heard and exercise their democratic right. This is seen in the significant turnout of voters. Among the 1.4 million eligible voters who registered and 1.1 million people voting.
However, with the 30 000 ballots rejected, it is telling that voters intense education needs to be ensured before every election by all stakeholders.
The voter education should extend to meeting the needs of those with special needs, who have recently taken a swipe at the ECN over alleged unfriendly polling stations for their special needs. While it might be difficult to ensure the polling stations have ramps for wheelchair users, ECN should have designated stations per constituency that allow such access.
The ruling Swapo Party had set the bar of inclusivity by printing a record of 500 copies of its manifesto in Braille. It was therefore expected that all polling stations made provisions for Braille, as well as all other needs of those with disabilities being met and prioritised.
While it is tempting to dwell on the details of the inefficiencies for the sake of dragging ECN in the mud, it is best to reflect on the lessons for improvement in our organisations as well. One standout lesson is that effective communication strategies within the organisation and among stakeholders beat the odds, guaranteeing organisation and clear executions of plans. When all members of the organisation speak the same language, transparency is ensured.
Another key lesson is for political parties to rely on fact-checking. The ECN has urged political parties to verify the numbers and, in fact, make use of resources at its centres for verification.
Moreover, the media had a role to play in ensuring that amidst the time of misinformation and disinformation, the voice of the media ensured the right information reached the nation and beyond.
This is especially important because all eyes were on Namibia, being among the few countries in Africa to have a female president-elect.
Female president
Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will be the first elected woman president not only in Namibia but in the Southern African region. In Africa, she joins Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia), Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia), and Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan as the trailblazers on the continent.
Just like in the Woman King, Nandi-Ndaitwah will command the army. With her experience in international relations, it is no doubt that she will position Namibia on the international platform. Her interest in gender affairs means she will contribute to the fight against the gender-based violence that plagues Namibian society.
Nandi-Ndaitwah has demonstrated trust in the youth by including them in her National Assembly list. With the president-elect promising to create 5 00 000 jobs during her tenure, the nation looks to the new dawn where youth unemployment will be alleviated.
The president-elect has also shown that she preaches inclusivity, continuing with the late Hage Geingob’s Harambee legacy and that no one should be left out.