Over recent weeks, a motion was tabled in Namibia’s National Assembly proposing to lower the minimum voting age from 18 to 16 years. While the idea may appear progressive and inclusive, closer examination reveals significant constitutional, developmental, social, and political implications that must not be overlooked for the sake of expediency. 

The Namibian Constitution, as the country’s supreme law, carefully establishes the age of 18 as the threshold for electoral participation. This decision was deliberate, reflecting a balance between acquiring basic education, civic maturity, and understanding the responsibilities of shaping governance through the ballot. 

Lower ing the minimum voting age would contradict this constitutional principle and could undermine the protection of children as outlined under domestic and international law, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. 

Individuals under the age of 18 remain legally classified as children and are entitled to safeguards against manipulation and exploitation. 

Proponents may argue that extending voting rights recognises youth voices. However, the more pressing democratic challenge is the declining adult voter turnout. Statistics show that many eligible adults are disengaged from the electoral process, disillusioned by issues such as corruption, unemployment, and poor service delivery. 

Encouraging adult participation, rather than recruiting children into a system that already struggles to engage its electorate, is arguably a more effective approach to strengthening democracy. 

Lowering the minimum voting age also raises questions of consistency. If 16-year-olds can vote, does that mean they could stand for office at local or national levels? The age of eligibility for candidacy remains higher, creating a democratic incongruity. 

Voting in Student Representative Council elections differs fundamentally from national elections; SRC polls deal with school issues and have limited consequences, while national elections determine the country’s leadership, resource management, laws, and policies. Treating these as equivalent risks trivialises the responsibilities inherent in national governance. 

Adolescence is a critical stage of cognitive and emotional development. At 16, many young people are still navigating identity, peer influence, and academic pressures. Research in developmental psychology shows that the prefrontal cortex, which governs long-term planning and decision-making, continues maturing into the early twenties. Assigning the weight of national political decisions to this age group risks unfairly burdening them and leaving them vulnerable to undue influence. 

The proposal may also carry political motivations. Expanding the electorate to include children could serve short-term partisan interests rather than genuine democratic development. Political parties must resist the temptation to use the youth as pawns. True democratic legitimacy is earned through policies that improve livelihoods, reduce inequality, and build trust — not through artificially enlarging the voting pool. 

Instead of lowering the minimum voting age, the focus should remain on strengthening youth empowerment policies, enhancing education, creating platforms for youth voices, and ensuring that elected leaders address issues affecting young people. When children reach 18, they will enter the democratic process with the maturity, awareness, and independenc e required to participate meaningfully. 

Namibia’s democracy, though young, must be respons ible and principled. The age of majority signifies the transition from childhood to adulthood, independence, and accountability. Diluting t h is mil e s tone by permitting 16-year-olds to vote risks undermining constitutional integrity, exploiting youth, and weakening democratic credibility. 

In conclusion, while the intention to innovate democratic participation is commendable, lowering the voting age is not the correct path. Respecting children, preserving constitutional principles, and addressing adult disengagement are more effective strategies. 

A strong, credible democracy today ensures that young Namibians inherit a system worth participating in when they come of age. 

*Hidipo Hamata is a former member of the 7th Assembly. The views expressed are personal and not affiliated with any political party or organisation.