NASCAM postpones board elections, citing low turnout and commitment to reform

The Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (NASCAM) postponed its board elections during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Saturday, 5 April. The decision follows a low number of eligible nominations submitted under a newly implemented merit-based application system.

In line with a resolution passed at a previous AGM, NASCAM introduced a revised nomination process this year, prioritizing skills, experience, and competence over popularity. The system included psychometric evaluations, a first for the organization. However, despite a public call for four board vacancies issued in December 2024 and an extended application deadline, only three qualified candidates came forward—one short of the required number.

While members at the AGM welcomed the transparency and intent behind the reformed process, they raised concerns about the narrow communication strategy, which relied mainly on social media. Suggestions were made to broaden outreach to include emails and local media to better reach the society’s full membership.

The election has now been rescheduled to a Special General Meeting set for 2 August 2025. In the interim, the current board will continue to serve to ensure operational continuity. “NASCAM will soon issue a renewed call for nominations, amplified through diverse platforms to maximise engagement. Members are urged to actively participate by submitting applications or recommending qualified candidates in time as soon as the call for nomination is put out, said NASCAM Board chairperson Suleiman Aziz Kyababa, adding that NASCAM reaffirms its dedication to robust governance, accountability, and member inclusivity. “The Society views this postponement as an opportunity to refine its processes and ensure fair representation.”