As the Electoral Commission of Namibia announced the successful conclusion of the fourth general registration of voters (GRV) on 1 August 2024, it is time to look ahead.

The overall cumulative number of eligible Namibians who registered as voters, both within the country and at diplomatic missions abroad, was 1 467 604, representing a turnout of 91% of eligible voters who turned up for the GRV.

During the last four days of the registration exercise that ran from 29
July to 1 August 2024, a total of 152 472 eligible voters were registered. This figure represents an average of 38 002 registered voters per day during the week of 29 July
to 1 August 2024, which is the highest recorded weekly turnout since the commencement of GRV.

Voters deserve a pat on the back for a job well done, for turning up en masse to register to vote. 

The commission extended its gratitude to all registered voters and electoral stakeholders who demonstrated “unwavering support towards ensuring effective voter education campaigns since the commencement of the GRV until its conclusion”.

The provisional voters’ register (PVR) will be published in the Government Gazette on 29 August 2024, and will be available for inspection and objections at designated locations (to be announced at a later stage) within the timelines set in the electoral calendar.

The focus should now shift to encouraging those who registered to actually go out and vote.

Simply registering voters does not address the barriers they may face in voting, such as misinformation, lack of access to polling stations, or intimidation.

Active engagement efforts are needed to overcome these challenges.

Encouraging voting to come out on election day helps to establish a culture of participation, fostering civic responsibility among citizens, and inspiring future generations to take part in democracy.

When voters participate in elections, they hold officials accountable, promoting policies that reflect the community’s needs and values, and discourage voter apathy.

This scourge has hit Namibian elections in recent years, and it is incumbent on all Namibians, including the media, political parties and civil society to get Namibians to the polls on 27 November.

Apart from the media constantly reporting on the process, providing information about where and what you need to register, why it is important  to do so as well as emphasising the timeframe and the lack of supplementary voting process, not much was done during registration exercise by different political parties to promote the process and its importance.

The ECN has done well with a registration process that was fast, efficient and widely accessible with relatively swift communication and information.

It is time the political parties came to the party.

High voter turnout can significantly influence election results, and efforts to mobilise voters can ensure that diverse voices and perspectives are represented in decision-making.  

It is in everyone’s interest to ensure increased participation in our democratic processes. The ball is now in the political parties’ court to inspire through campaigns their supporters who registered to go out and vote.

Over to you.