We can still do magic – parties on voter registration

Political parties are hopeful that more eligible voters will register in the remaining weeks before the end of the general voters’ registration period.

The Electoral Commission of Namibia’s (ECN) deadline of 1 August is drawing near, with many eligible Namibians still unregistered.

Yesterday, ECN chairperson Elsie Nghikembua told president Nangolo Mbumba that the verification process of the voters’ register, the objection window and the publication of this list would not allow for an extension.

Currently, 1,1 million people have been registered to vote, representing 65% of eligible voters.

Independent Patriots for Change spokesperson Imms Nashinge on Tuesday said he was still hopeful that citizens would register.
“We are hoping that everyone now sees the importance of participating in the election. It’s up to us collectively as citizens. We need to go out there and get registered. I think we can still do magic,” he said.

Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) spokesperson Moses Shikerete says reaching the commission’s target requires everyone to play a role, both at institutional and individual levels.

“The youth makes up 70% of Namibia’s population and that means we need as many youth registering as possible. Our current data shows there seem to be lower turnout among the youth in some regions while other regions are doing quite well,” he says.

Shikerete says SPYL has put out a number of mechanisms to help create awareness among young people.

“We have organised a massive event in the Kavango East region aimed at giving a chance to the youth to have a conversation with our vice president,” he says.

Popular Democratic Movement member of parliament Maximiliant Katjimune says the nation needs to employ all legislation to ensure that everyone who is eligible to vote is indeed able to register.

“The president should extend the cycle to 31 August 2024 pursuant to section 25 (1) (A) and (2) of the Electoral Act,” Katjimune says.

According to the Electoral Act, the general registration must take place not later than 31 August 2024, which means the president can extend it until 31 August (from 2 August), but it would need to be gazetted by the president.

Katjimune says his party is committed to ensuring that all eligible voters are registered through its various ground mobilisation and social media campaigns.

Landless People’s Movement’s Joyce Muzengua says the ECN needs to step up with a more aggressive approach.

“Observing the low turnout of the voter registry, they should be more aggressive in the registration campaign. They also need to assess what is influencing the populace to this position. Voter education is lacking significantly, especially in rural Namibia,” she says.

Namibia Statistics Agency general statistician Alex Shimuafeni says 1 615 910 citizens are eligible to vote in the November national elections.