Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Opuwo: Inmates laud voting process

Opuwo: Inmates laud voting process

Uakutura Kambaekua 

OPUWO – Seventeen trial-awaiting inmates at the Opuwo holding cells expressed satisfaction with the voting process on Wednesday, describing it as a significant democratic step.

In a conversation with Nampa right after he cast his vote in the 8th Presidential and National Assembly elections, inmate Nico Rebebe said the voting process went smoothly, and he encouraged citizens to participate actively in the democratic process by casting their votes.

Still in his prime, Rebebe urged other young people to take advantage of their democratic rights, emphasising that this is the only means through which their concerns can be acknowledged and addressed.

“From a youth perspective, we are going through a lot because of high unemployment and poverty. I think it is time we learnt what politics is; people go through a lot in this country, so your vote does count,” he said.

Moreover, he urged the electorate to vote for candidates they believe will bring much-needed change. Another inmate, Forester Jaua, echoed Rebebe’s sentiments, saying the voting process was efficient and quick. He firmly believes inmates have rights, including the right to participate in elections.

“As inmates, we deserve to have our voices heard, and I encourage others to also participate and make their voices heard,” Jaua said.

He added that true change can only be achieved through voting, urging those who had not yet cast their votes to do so respectfully and democratically.

According to Article 17 of the Namibian Constitution, all citizens above 18 years have the right to engage in public affairs, whether by holding public office, or by voting for their representatives in government. 

This Article also grants the right to vote to both remand prisoners and those serving jail sentences.

Namibian Police Force deputy commissioner in the Kunene region Obandja Ruhozu told Nampa the process to have inmates cast their votes is being carried out carefully to ensure safety.

“They are being released in groups of five, as a safety measure. We need to make sure there is no disturbance and, of course, no escapes,” he said.

-Nampa