Electoral Commission of Namibia: A crisis in voter education
Namibia’s democracy is quietly facing a persistent and alarming crisis: voter apathy. The recently reported turnout of just 38.3% in regional council (RC) and 43.2% in local authority (LA) elections speaks volumes. These are not just figures — they are flashing warning lights about the health of civic engagement in our country. Even more worrying is the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) seemingly congratulating itself for “doing well,” despite these sobering numbers.
This growing disinterest in voting must be treated as a national concern. And while many factors contribute, the ECN — mandated by the Electoral Act No. 5 of 2014 to educate the public about their voting rights — must shoulder a significant share of the responsibility. The question is: how effectively has the ECN fulfilled this obligation?
From where I stand, not nearly well enough.
The illusion of progress
The ECN’s occasional media appearances, workshops, and distribution of voter education materials may give the impression of activity — but the real-world impact, especially in rural areas, informal settlements, and among young first-time voters, is limited. What we are seeing is not a transformation in civic awareness, but the illusion of outreach.
Political parties, civil society organisations, and community activists have consistently raised concerns and offered constructive recommendations. Yet year after year, the ECN continues along the same path — a path that fails to engage meaningfully with the electorate. The commission’s disconnect from grassroots realities is widening, and this disconnection is undermining the democratic process.
Why are Namibians losing interest in voting?
This crisis goes beyond voter education. It is about trust, transparency, and access. Many Namibians feel their votes do not make a difference. Others feel excluded, misinformed, or simply uninspired. If the ECN is invisible between elections, why should we expect enthusiasm or participation when the ballots appear?
A bold proposal: Start with the youth
A sustainable way forward is to embed electoral education into the national school curriculum, particularly from Grade 8 to Grade 12. Learners at this level are mature enough to understand the principles of democracy, civic duty, and the importance of voting. Let’s raise a generation that doesn’t need to be reminded to vote — because they understand why they must.
What must be done
Audit and Reform: The ECN must critically audit its voter education strategy and evaluate its actual impact — beyond public relations exercises.
Build Partnerships: Stronger collaborations with schools, political parties, faith-based institutions, youth organisations, and local authorities are essential.
Engage Communities Transparently: Community dialogues — not just procedural briefings — should be the norm.
Listen and Respond: Stakeholder feedback must not be ignored but instead meaningfully integrated into policy and practice.
Final thoughts
Democracy cannot flourish when those tasked with nurturing it fall short. The Electoral Commission of Namibia holds a legal, moral, and civic obligation to educate, engage, and empower every citizen.
We must stop pretending that current efforts are enough — when the statistics tell a starkly different story.
Sem Billy David is Khomas regional chairperson for the Affirmative Repositioning movement.
This growing disinterest in voting must be treated as a national concern. And while many factors contribute, the ECN — mandated by the Electoral Act No. 5 of 2014 to educate the public about their voting rights — must shoulder a significant share of the responsibility. The question is: how effectively has the ECN fulfilled this obligation?
From where I stand, not nearly well enough.
The illusion of progress
The ECN’s occasional media appearances, workshops, and distribution of voter education materials may give the impression of activity — but the real-world impact, especially in rural areas, informal settlements, and among young first-time voters, is limited. What we are seeing is not a transformation in civic awareness, but the illusion of outreach.
Political parties, civil society organisations, and community activists have consistently raised concerns and offered constructive recommendations. Yet year after year, the ECN continues along the same path — a path that fails to engage meaningfully with the electorate. The commission’s disconnect from grassroots realities is widening, and this disconnection is undermining the democratic process.
Why are Namibians losing interest in voting?
This crisis goes beyond voter education. It is about trust, transparency, and access. Many Namibians feel their votes do not make a difference. Others feel excluded, misinformed, or simply uninspired. If the ECN is invisible between elections, why should we expect enthusiasm or participation when the ballots appear?
A bold proposal: Start with the youth
A sustainable way forward is to embed electoral education into the national school curriculum, particularly from Grade 8 to Grade 12. Learners at this level are mature enough to understand the principles of democracy, civic duty, and the importance of voting. Let’s raise a generation that doesn’t need to be reminded to vote — because they understand why they must.
What must be done
Audit and Reform: The ECN must critically audit its voter education strategy and evaluate its actual impact — beyond public relations exercises.
Build Partnerships: Stronger collaborations with schools, political parties, faith-based institutions, youth organisations, and local authorities are essential.
Engage Communities Transparently: Community dialogues — not just procedural briefings — should be the norm.
Listen and Respond: Stakeholder feedback must not be ignored but instead meaningfully integrated into policy and practice.
Final thoughts
Democracy cannot flourish when those tasked with nurturing it fall short. The Electoral Commission of Namibia holds a legal, moral, and civic obligation to educate, engage, and empower every citizen.
We must stop pretending that current efforts are enough — when the statistics tell a starkly different story.
Sem Billy David is Khomas regional chairperson for the Affirmative Repositioning movement.
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