Young voters urge peers to register ahead of deadline

A group of young people in Windhoek participated in a fun walk on Saturday to encourage the youth to vote.

More than 100 young people, including first-time voters, took to the streets in line with the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN)’s call to register for the upcoming national elections.

The walk was organised by Tukwatha Youth Organisation, founded by Hendrina Kudhingililwa.

“We are disheartened by institutions within the government that are supposed to meet the youth halfway, but they don’t come through for initiatives that would benefit young people,” she said on Saturday.

She said young people want to be active participants in democracy, ensuring that leaders are held accountable.

“We don’t want to blame leaders we did not put in positions. When we put them in power, we have the right to ask them anything and hold them accountable,” she said.

“The youth of Namibia has the power to influence change and make a difference. By registering and voting, we are taking the first step towards a brighter future,” Kudhingililwa said.

ECN spokesperson Mulauli Siluka said the organisation’s initiative is commendable.

“Collaboration and supporting the commission’s efforts to execute the activities of the electoral cycle, such as encouraging the youth to register to vote, is a good gesture,” he said.

Siluka urged stakeholders to continue playing their part in supporting the commission’s efforts.

Meanwhile, Landless People’s Movement youth command leader Duminga Ndala has raised concerns over institutions tasked with improving the youth’s socio-economic status, yet have remained silent on encouraging young people to vote.

“These institutions play a crucial role in shaping the future of the younger generation. By neglecting to promote voter registration, they miss an opportunity to empower young people to influence policies and decisions that directly impact their lives,” she says.

Ndala says youth voter registration is essential in ensuring that the voices of young people are heard in the political process.

“For so long young people have been excluded from the political process and decision-making.

“The reluctance of these failing institutions to promote voter registration risk contributing to the political disenfranchisement of young people. When young people are underrepresented in the electorate, their needs and concerns may be overlooked by policymakers, perpetuating cycles of inequality and limiting opportunities for socio-economic mobility,” she says.

National Youth Council (NYC) executive chairperson Sharonice Busch says the council has launched a programme called Through our Rural Youth, aimed at mobilising young people to vote.

“We have gone to several regions, particularly rural constituencies,” she says.

The last day for voters to register is Thursday, 1 August.