ECN gazettes voter registration regulations
Registration processes outlined
The official regulations for voter's registration were gazetted on 5 July.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) issued gazetted regulations for the registration of voters, political parties, associations, and organisations on 5 July, while the general voter registration process has been in full swing since early June.
Critics this week questioned why the regulations for voter registration were issued only now, after the registration had already started last month.
The gazetted regulations repealed the regulations published under Government Notice No. 71 of 13 May 2015.
Procedures outlined
According to the newly gazetted regulations, applicants for voter registration must complete an application form, submit proof of residence and may appeal any refusals.
The regulations make provision for PVC cards displaying the voter's details, photo and signature, along with a 2D barcode.
"A voter registration card or a duplicate voter registration card must be completed and issued as contemplated in Sections 30 and 35 of the Act, respectively, and must be a PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) card that contains the registration details, picture and signature of the voter,” the regulations state.
“A voter registration card or a duplicate voter registration card must also display a 2D barcode with encrypted registration details. The voter registration card or a duplicate voter registration card must indicate the region, constituency or local authority for which the voter is qualified to participate in."
Political parties
For political parties, associations or organisations seeking registration, the new guidelines mandate the completion of specific forms, the submission of distinctive symbols, and the payment of a registration fee.
Political parties must pay N$25 000, while associations or organisations are required to pay N$2 500.
Additionally, all entities must provide a constitution and a declaration affirming their adherence to the Electoral Act's requirements, including the promotion of elections and non-discriminatory practices.
The new regulations also outline the structure of voters’ lists and registers, ensuring alphabetical order and the inclusion of detailed information for each voter.
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Critics this week questioned why the regulations for voter registration were issued only now, after the registration had already started last month.
The gazetted regulations repealed the regulations published under Government Notice No. 71 of 13 May 2015.
Procedures outlined
According to the newly gazetted regulations, applicants for voter registration must complete an application form, submit proof of residence and may appeal any refusals.
The regulations make provision for PVC cards displaying the voter's details, photo and signature, along with a 2D barcode.
"A voter registration card or a duplicate voter registration card must be completed and issued as contemplated in Sections 30 and 35 of the Act, respectively, and must be a PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) card that contains the registration details, picture and signature of the voter,” the regulations state.
“A voter registration card or a duplicate voter registration card must also display a 2D barcode with encrypted registration details. The voter registration card or a duplicate voter registration card must indicate the region, constituency or local authority for which the voter is qualified to participate in."
Political parties
For political parties, associations or organisations seeking registration, the new guidelines mandate the completion of specific forms, the submission of distinctive symbols, and the payment of a registration fee.
Political parties must pay N$25 000, while associations or organisations are required to pay N$2 500.
Additionally, all entities must provide a constitution and a declaration affirming their adherence to the Electoral Act's requirements, including the promotion of elections and non-discriminatory practices.
The new regulations also outline the structure of voters’ lists and registers, ensuring alphabetical order and the inclusion of detailed information for each voter.
[email protected]
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