WINDHOEK – The Namibia Red Cross Society (NRCS) is set to partner the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) to render some humanitarian services on election day on November 28.
This was disclosed by NRCS’s manager for humanitarian diplomacy, Rosemary Nalisa during the editor’s lunch on Tuesday.
Nalisa said the aim of NRCS’s involvement is a fulfilment of its auxiliary status, enhance volunteer and staff participation in national events through humanitarian activities by enhanced NRCS visibility and credibility Over one million Namibians are set to take part in this year’s Presidential and Natioanl Assembly elections scheduled for November 28.
192 volunteers and NRCS staff will render services such as, first aid services, basic medical assistance for headaches or minor injuries, supply of water to the electorate to prevent dehydration, referrals and evacuation of people who might fall sick on site and needs proper medical attention or hospitalisation and assist in tracing people/children who might get lost, among others.
She said volunteers and staff will at all times respect and act in accordance with the Red Cross’s Fundamental principles.
“The first aiders will give assistance to all without any form of discrimination, the volunteers and staff will at all times adhere to the electoral laws of the country while stationed at the FA site,” she said.
ECN will offer training to all staff and volunteers on the dos and donts. NRCS participated in other elections in other countries such as in the recent presidential and national assembly election in Mozambique.
The NRCS FA post will be located 100 metres from polling stations to ensure unhindered services and evacuation of casualties and FA site and equipment will be clearly marked with a distinctive NRCS emblem.
“All deployed staff and volunteers will display the Red Cross emblem at all times as a identification. They will also be displaying ECN accreditation cards,” she said.
“The ECN will offer training to all staff and volunteers on the do’s and don’ts. All deployed staff and volunteers will display the Red Cross emblem at all times, as well as ECN accreditation cards,” she said.
Furthermore NRCS also has an agreement with the Namibia Football Association (NFA) to offer FA services during big sporting events.
“Such help can thus be extended to cover national days like Independence Day and Heroes’ Day, Nalisa said.
By Kuzeeko Tjitemisa