Suzith Tjitaura

KEETMANSHOOP – The Head of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), Anne Makinda has commended Namibians people for maintaining a peaceful political environment during the pre-election period.

Makinda, who made these remarks in her preliminary statement on the conduct of the Namibia 2024 Presidential and National Assembly Elections, urged the nation to maintain a peaceful environment during the extended voting period.

The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has extended voting, which started Wednesday, until Saturday.

According to Makinda, the SEOM had 65 observers from eight SADC member states, observing about 221 polling stations across Namibia’s 14 regions.

“The mission observed that the country was calm and peaceful during the pre-election and election day, and political campaigns were conducted peacefully. The mission noted submissions from stakeholders that the country was experiencing active involvement of the youth in politics,” Makinda said.

She said the mission advised ECN to establish multiple voting streams within polling stations to assist in reducing the queues and frustration of voters, adding that the commission should also arrange contracting modalities for temporary staff early to avoid last-minute contractual
disputes.

Makinda went on to recommend that the ECN create a formal crisis management framework to address emergencies such as ballot shortages or the need to extend voting days.

Such a framework should outline procedures for stakeholder consultation, decision-making timelines, and communication strategies to ensure all affected parties are informed and
involved.

“The ECN should adopt a robust ballot paper management strategy to prevent shortages. This includes accurate voter registration data, contingency plans for unexpected surges, and periodic audits of ballot paper distribution. In cases of shortages, all stakeholders must be promptly informed and consulted to maintain transparency and accountability,” she added.

Makinda recommended that the government reform Namibia’s electoral system, pointing out that the current system – allowing voters to cast ballots in any constituency regardless of where they registered – creates logistical and administrative challenges, such as ballot shortages at some polling stations.

“To rebuild stakeholder confidence, the ECN should conduct a post-election stakeholder review to address concerns raised during the electoral process and recommendations from this review should be implemented to prevent recurrence. Furthermore, capacity-building workshops and periodic engagement sessions with stakeholders can enhance mutual understanding and trust in the ECN’s processes,” said Makinda. -Nampa