President Nangolo Mbumba yesterday announced the establishment of the Boundaries Delimitation and Demarcation Commission (BDDC) at the State House. 

The commission is entrusted with the task of demarcating the boundaries of the country and recommending determinations regarding the boundaries and names of regions, constituencies and local authorities. 

The commissioners appointed are Penias Topnaar, Gerhardt Gurirab and Prisca Anyolo, and they are led by judge Epafroditus Unengu.

Every 10 years, Cabinet authorises the president to appoint the BDDC. 

Last year, the Cabinet resolved that the BDDC should be established upon the completion of the 2023 population and housing census.

 However, there was an initial delay in the release of the census results, which consequently delayed the establishment of the commission. 

The commission is required to conduct its assessment within three months.

“The commissioners will assess the current boundaries of regions and constituencies in Namibia and recommend any changes to existing boundaries if necessary and beneficial to Namibians,” Mbumba stated during the appointment.

Given that the country is facing elections to be held in November, substantial work is required from the commission, as its report will assist the Electoral Commission of Namibia in accurately registering voters in the correct regions and constituencies.

“This is not a task to be taken lightly, as the foundation of our democracy must be reinforced by accurate and reliable information,” he emphasised. 

Taking note of the milestone of reaching a population of three million, Mbumba highlighted that the work of the commission will provide valuable insights into the changing demographics of the nation, which now predominantly comprises youth. 

“Based on the commission’s work, the government will formulate responsive policy interventions,” he added.

This is the fifth commission established since the one constituted in 2013, which was headed by judge Alfred Siboleka.