ECN eyes higher voter turnout ahead of 2025 elections

The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) is optimistic that voter turnout for this year’s regional council and local authority elections will improve, following years of decline in participation.Chief electoral and referenda officer Peter Shaama acknowledged that voter turnout in these elections has historically been low, with only 38.3% and 43.2% recorded during the 2020 elections, a significant drop from 82.3% in 1992. However, he expressed confidence that the commission’s civic and voter education campaigns would encourage more Namibians to head to the polls this year.“With our engagements throughout this electoral cycle, including the one we are having today, the commission is optimistic that voter turnout will increase significantly as we put our collective efforts together,” Shaama said.He confirmed that the final voters’ register was published on 24 October, representing 90% of eligible voters, and reiterated that all registered voters are urged to exercise their democratic right.“The strength of our democracy resides in the active participation of its people,” Shaama said. “Let us move forward together, united in purpose, grounded in integrity and committed to delivering a peaceful, transparent and credible 2025 national election.”Credible elections a priorityShaama made the remarks during a media engagement in Windhoek on Wednesday, where he updated journalists and stakeholders on the commission’s preparedness for the 26 November polls. He assured the public that the ECN is ready to deliver a transparent, peaceful and credible election, building on lessons learned from the 2024 presidential and national assembly elections.He said the electoral calendar, launched in June, outlines all activities and timelines across the pre-election, election and post-election phases.“The calendar serves not only as a planning tool but also as a commitment to transparency, accountability and partnership with our key stakeholders throughout the electoral cycle,” he said.Public educator Shaama also emphasised the critical role of the media in promoting civic awareness, describing journalists as essential partners in strengthening democracy through accurate and responsible election coverage.“The media plays a critical role as a public educator. You serve as an open forum for debate, a mechanism for transparency, and a campaign platform to ensure voters are informed about all participants in the elections,” he said.“We urge you to assist the commission in sensitising the electorate to ensure they turn out in big numbers on 26 November. Our shared responsibility is to ensure that every registered voter feels empowered to exercise his or her democratic right,” Shaama said.He reminded voters that, unlike in the 2024 national elections, where Namibians could cast their ballots at any polling station, the 2025 elections will require voters to vote only in their registered constituencies or local authorities.

ECN eyes higher voter turnout ahead of 2025 elections

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-26

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ECN eyes higher voter turnout ahead of 2025 elections

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-26

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