Over the years, we have unapologetically advocated for Namibians to take up their civic responsibilities with the seriousness they warrant.

Therefore, it was not a coincidence that election-related stories, opinion pieces, analyses, infographics, explainers, investigations, and breaking news dominated our reportage for the better part of the last 14 months and will continue for the remainder of the year.

At the heart of the discourse was voter apathy, which had until Wednesday been a thorn in the flesh for both parties and the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) alike.

Namibian voters had been known for voters staying away from the polls. The last general election was marred by a low voter turnout, as only 60% of registered voters cast their votes. The situation is much worse when it comes to local authority and regional council elections, where turnout has been substantially woeful. 

But it was not to be this week when on Wednesday, Namibian voters, in the arguably the most anticipated and contentiously contested elections since 1989, showed up when it mattered most.

Young and old, they braved long queues, the unforgiving sun, and all sorts of weather, determined to determine their future. Ahead of Wednesday’s polls, some voters could be seen marking their spots at polling stations on Tuesday by midday, setting the tone for election day.

Some voters overnighted in the queues, waiting for polling stations to open at 7h00 the next day to exercise their right to vote.

The determination continued throughout voting.

In the spirit of unity and resilience that embodies Namibians, we extend our heartfelt thanks to every voter who showed up to vote.

Disappointingly, it was when voters turned up that the ECN let many voters down, at least at most poling stations in urban and rural areas alike.

If it was not a stagnant queue where voters would want to wait for over five hours to participate in a process lasting less than a minute, it was a tablet that was overheating, causing major delay.

By the time polling stations were set to close on Wednesday evening, the scene across Namibia was one of despair and frustration. While some people were turned away at some polling stations, others polling stations remained open indefinitely. Worse, at some polling stations, ballot papers simply ran out. Yesterday, as late as 17h00, some polling stations in the Omaheke and Kunene regions were belatedly receiving ballot papers and seeing ECN officials for the first time. What was supposed to be a celebration of democracy turned into a logistical nightmare.

For an institution that had five years to plan, prepare, and execute the mammoth task that is the election, all and sundry expected the ECN to not only deliver but excel.

Former ECN CEO Theo Mujoro best put it when he once said: “Running an election management body in any country is not an easy task, and not for the faint of heart. Given the sheer size and enormity of national elections, organising elections is the most complex project any nation undertakes outside of preparing for war.”

Now, accusations of incompetence and unpreparedness against the ECN have sparked outrage among political parties and citizens alike, with many now questioning the integrity of the democratic process.

Your vote is not just a voice; it is a testament to the strength and determination of your country. To those who voted, you have played a powerful role in shaping our future. To those who showed up on polling day but had to be turned away or could not vote for various reasons, thank you. Namibians, hold your heads high. By casting your vote, you have contributed to building a future that promises dignity, rights, and opportunity for all.

The widespread frustrations of voters, political parties, and citizens cannot be dismissed, but they must serve as a catalyst for positive change rather than fuel further division.

While we commend the remarkable turnout and resilience of Namibian voters, it is time for the ECN to rise to the occasion. The nation has spoken with its vote.

It is now the responsibility of the ECN to ensure that this voice is heard, respected, and safeguarded throughout the electoral process.