Over 800 000 voters register

Over 800 000 voters register

Today, Namibians have exactly 20 days left to take part in the ongoing general registration of voters (GRV) process. 

This step will allow them to ultimately vote in the Presidential and National Assembly elections slated for 27 November.

While acknowledging slight improvement in the voter registration turnout during the week of 1-6 July 2024 compared to the previous week of 24-29 June 2024, the Electoral Commission of Namibia is not impressed. 

In his weekly report, ECN chief electoral and referenda officer, Petrus Shaama said a cumulative total number of 823 761 eligible Namibians registered as voters inside the country and at all Namibian diplomatic missions abroad.

Shaama is a worried man if his remarks are anything to go by. 

“There is no window of opportunity for extending the period of registration of voters. The GRV continues across the country and at all Namibian diplomatic missions abroad until 1 August 2024, Monday to Saturday from 08h00 to 19h00,” he said.

The latest figure represents an average of 24 562 registered voters per day during 1 – 6 July 2024. 

The commission is encouraging all eligible Namibians who have not yet registered to do so within the three weeks remaining before the end of the GRV period.

Khomas is the only region with a six-figure tally of 152 920 who have registered to vote.

In second place is the Ohangwena region where 87 441 voters have registered while Omusati has recorded 85 230. 

Meanwhile, Omaheke is stubbornly lagging in terms of voter registration. 

So far, the Pijoo Nganate-led region has recorded 24 261 voters, the lowest in the whole country. 

Zambezi region is also recording a low turnout with 26 307.

The ECN acting head of registration in Zambezi, Sammy Muhau, told this publication that the turnout has been worryingly low, but they have seen slight improvements in recent days. 

“We have established a strategy of going to the people, we set up a system and start playing music, and from this, people would usually gather from hearing us and then we sensitise them about the importance of registering to vote,” Muhau said.

He added that: “We are communicating and in touch with the Air Force to take ECN Official in remote areas.” 

Muhau then appealed to the youth, saying must stop complaining and play their part in the registration process.

“I equally plead to leaders to be more active, they are too quiet and need to step up and encourage the young ones to vote. I am hopeful that in these next 20 days, we will improve our numbers,” said Muhau.

Foreign missions so far account for 1 345 registered voters, amplifying the call for Namibians in the diaspora to communicate with their representative embassies and register as well.

Namibia’s charges d’affaires in Zimbabwe Zemha Gawachas told New Era yesterday that in a significant move to ensure inclusive democratic participation, the embassy facilitated the voter registration of Namibian students residing in the country in the Shamva district.

“This initiative underscores the importance of political participation and the crucial role of the diaspora vote in the democratic process,” Gawachas said. 

The diplomat added that the voter registration drive, held at the Namibian embassy in Harare is part of a broader effort to engage Namibian citizens living abroad in their home country’s electoral processes. 

“The embassy’s initiative funded by contributions of staff members aligns with Namibia’s commitment to uphold democratic principles and ensure that all eligible citizens, regardless of their location, have the opportunity to participate in shaping their nation’s future,” Gawachas stated.

She added: “Voting is a fundamental right and a vital component of our democratic fabric. By registering to vote, these students are taking an active role in the governance of their home country, demonstrating their commitment to the democratic process.”

With the concern of youth participation in the electoral process, the newly elected leader of the Namibia National Students Organisation, Dorthea Nangolo this week urged all students to go out and register to vote in the upcoming election, as only through voting can they shape the conditions and future of the country’s education fraternity.

 “This is not just a right but a duty to shape the future of our nation. We as the youth are the majority and together, we will ensure our collective aspirations are represented and realised at the highest levels of governance,” appealed Nangolo.

-erasiririka@nepc.com.na

(Voters)

Caption: Civic duty… Namibians in Zimbabwe at the embassy in Harare after registering to vote.

Photo: Contributed