Nation gears for elections

DESPITE all the challenges from the row over the Third Constitutional Amendment Bill to suspicions about the electoral voting machines (EVMs) as well as the election court challenge this week, Namibia votes tomorrow.

A snap survey carried out by The Namibian yesterday showed that most of the regions are ready for the elections, although some said they are still trying to secure vehicles for use by officials.

There are 16 political parties; 2 711 mobile and 1 255 fixed polling stations that will be manned by 13 000 officers divided into 2 080 teams.

Khomas region has 231 516 registered voters; 135 693 are in Omusati; 130 320 in Ohangwena; 120 489 in Kavango (East and West combined); 104 297 in Erongo; 104 218 in Oshana; 100 007 in Oshikoto; 87 655 in Otjozondjupa; 50 105 in Kunene; 47 652 in //Karas; 45 834 in Hardap; 41 710 in the Zambezi; and 41 698 in Omaheke.

The Electoral Commission of Namibia’s (ECN) regional coordinators have also indicated that they are satisfied with the preparations so far and come rain or shine, the elections will go on.

Kavango East ECN regional coordinator Michael Santos said they completed their voter education training on Tuesday, and were busy sorting out a few things to make sure everyone understands the issues at hand, especially presiding officers.

“We are fully prepared and we are ready for tomorrow. We are ready to eliminate any challenge,” Santos said, while Kavango West regional director Benjamin Makayi also said they were done with voter education.

“We are arranging for the supply of more vehicles,” he said, adding that he was sure all would be sorted out today.

In Khomas, Hendrik van Wyk said all preparations had gone smoothly. He also said they do not have any problems with vehicles.

In Otjozondjupa, Frederich Rugharo urged farmers to release their workers for the elections, while in Oshana, Julius Shongolo said they completed the voter education yesterday afternoon. Their transport problems were solved with the support of the public.

Erongo senior ECN official Amos Nguaiko said all the 94 fixed and 233 mobile stations are ready for the elections.

“All 94 electronic voting machines have arrived and were allocated to the stations in the various constituencies. All our polling stations will be ready and staffed to see the masses come on time to exercise their democratic right,” he said.

Polling stations will be open from 07h00 till 21h00, but those still in the queue by 21h00 will be allowed to vote, he assured.

While there seems to be some transport shortages in the other regions, Nguaiko said vehicles in Erongo are enough and in good condition.

Erongo police chief Commissioner Samuel //Hoebeb said the region had a head start with the recent voting day set aside for seagoing personnel, which was run smoothly.

“The campaigns to date have also proven to be more mature and responsible than ever, and this is a good sign for us for the day of voting too. Namibians are ready to cooperate on this very important day,” he said.

According to //Hoebeb, police units were deployed to all the polling stations, which will be overseen by senior officers to ensure the work on the ground is done properly.

“All our officers and commanders have been briefed on what is expected of them. We are ready,” he said, concluding that emergency response units have been deployed in close proximity of the major voting centres.

The Hardap and //Karas regions’ electoral commission bosses say their poll officials are ready and prepared for elections, despite vehicle shortages.

“We are experiencing a shortage of vehicles, but we will manage to sort out the transport problem today (yesterday),” said

//Karas electoral commission regional coordinator Barendt Both.

Both explained that government provided the region with fewer vehicles and because of this, he added, //Karas would hire 15 private vehicles.

“We have asked private vehicle owners to take their vehicles for roadworthy tests, and once they provide us with certificates we’ll seal the rental deal with them,” said Both.

According to Both, ECN pays a rental fee of N$1 000 a day for a 2×4 bakkie or 16-seater bus, and N$1 200 a day for a 4×4 bakkie.

“We’ll wrap up the training of the presiding officers today (yesterday),” he added.

He also said the region is ready and prepared for free and fair elections. He urged voters to turn up in big numbers.

“Apart from the hand-held voter verification devices and the voters’ registration roll which should arrive today (yesterday), we have received all election material,” said Both.