Party agents satisfied with treatment of sensitive election materials for //Kharas

Party agents on Monday expressed satisfaction with the handling of sensitive election materials at Keetmanshoop for the upcoming special voting in the presidential and National Assembly elections.

The special voting exercise is for all eligible voters outside the country. The day also caters for seagoing personnel and members of the security cluster such as the Namibian Police Force, Namibia Correctional Services and the Namibian Defence Force, who will be on duty on 27 November.

More than 2 159 eligible voters are expected to cast their votes at different Namibian embassies worldwide, while 8 000 voters from the security cluster and fishing institutions will vote locally.

The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) and party agents in the //Kharas region carried out inspections and verifications of sensitive election materials on Monday.

The materials arrived on Friday from Windhoek. They were safeguarded at the Keetmanshoop Police Station and thereafter, dispatched to Lüderitz and Oranjemund.

Independent Patriots for Change party agent Joshua Elia said he is happy with the process so far.

“Everything appears to be going well. It’s on point,” said Elia.

Landless People’s Movement party agent Emilia Poulton described the process as transparent.

“We had enough time to verify the seals and take photos for our records,” said Poulton.

//Kharas region Swapo coordinator Mathew Mumbala said they would like to be informed in advance on activities, even though they did not encounter major issues.

“But on Friday, the communication about material arrival was rushed. There should be clear communication on timing,” said Mumbala.

ECN’s //Kharas region election officer, Jejamaije Mujoro, responded to communication issues raised by party agents, saying the challenges are valid.

“Sometimes, agents internalise earlier times, leading to confusion. While minor delays occur, transparency remains our priority,” Mujoro said.