Delimitation commission asks for extension - two months after deadline

After failing to adhere to President Nangolo Mbumba’s three-month task of compiling a report, the Boundaries Delimitation and Demarcation Commission this week asked for an extension - two months after its initial deadline. On Wednesday, the commission chaired by retired judge Petrus Unengu - together with Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) chief Petrus Shaama, Namibia Statistics Agency CEO Alex Shimuafeni and Surveyor-General Ndilipunye Shanyengana - met with Mbumba at State House regarding the delayed report.This was just a day after Namibian Sun inquired from both Unengu and presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari why the report, which was expected to be completed in three months, remains outstanding.Unengu on Tuesday refused to entertain questions on the report, while Hengari confirmed that the presidency had yet to receive it.Meanwhile, Wednesday’s meeting was held behind closed doors, after which Hengari informed the media that Mbumba granted the commission an extension until 30 September.“The commission requested an extension in light of the fact that they've not yet completed the very important work that they have to carry out, consistent with our constitution,” he said. “The president has agreed to grant an extension.”Won’t affect electionsThe commission is responsible for determining the names and boundaries of regions, constituencies and local authorities.With Namibia heading towards the November elections, this report assists the ECN in as far as borders, constituencies and regions are concerned. Hengari said the much-anticipated report will not have any effect on the upcoming elections.Namibian Sun in June reported that several constituency councillors were sent back to their communities to do proper consultations regarding the ongoing boundaries delimitation and demarcation exercise, after the responsible commission was fed half-baked reports from supposed engagements with communities.In the Khomas Region, where the least populated constituency has 22 000 residents, one councillor allegedly submitted a report where only 71 people were consulted, representing a paltry 0.3%.Community members in several regions such as Zambezi, Erongo and Khomas have bemoaned that regional governors and constituency councillors made submissions recommending several changes without their input.These half-baked submissions from regions allegedly resulted in the report’s delay.kenya@namibiansun.com

Delimitation commission asks for extension - two months after deadline

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-19

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Delimitation commission asks for extension - two months after deadline

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-19

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