ECN increases polling stations to 4 861 as Zambezi tops the list

#namibiadecides2025The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has set up 4 861 polling stations for the regional council and local authority elections scheduled for 26 November, marking an increase of 181 polling stations.Chief electoral and referenda officer Peter Shaama said the commission has also deployed 2 894 election teams to ensure accessibility.Shaama added that accessibility and inclusion were central to the commission’s planning process.“The establishment of polling stations is a crucial step in ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote," he said. "We have meticulously deliberated and planned to ensure that these locations are accessible, well-distributed and conducive to a smooth voting process, taking into consideration the needs of people with disabilities."Topping the listAt the top of the regional list is the Zambezi region, with 221 polling stations spread across eight constituencies: Judea Lyabboloma, Kabbe North, Kabbe South, Katima Mulilo Urban, Katima Mulilo Rural, Kongola, Linyanti and Sibbinda.Many stations are in schools, churches and community halls, while mobile teams will use boats and vehicles to reach island settlements such as Impalila, Kasika, Kalala and Namalubi.Second is the Oshikoto region with 205 polling stations, distributed across Eengodi, Guinas, Nehale Lyampingana, Okankolo, Olukonda, Omuntele, Omuthiya-gwiipundi, Onayena, Oniipa, Onyaanya and Tsumeb.Most stations are in schools, while mobile teams will rotate between remote villages to serve remote communities.Ohangwena (198) follows closely, reflecting its dense population and broad rural voter base. The region’s stations are concentrated in Eenhana, Endola, Engela, Epembe, Omundaungilo, Omulonga, Ondobe, Ongenga, Oshikunde, Oshikango, Ohaingu and Okongo, with nearly all voters able to walk to nearby schools or community centres to cast their ballot.Omusati (184) and Oshana (167) complete the top five, serving the populous north-central regions where most polling stations are located in Outapi, Tsandi, Okalongo, Okahao, Ogongo, Elim, Anamulenge, Uukwiyu-Uushona, Okatana, Ongwediva and Oshakati East and West.In central Namibia, the Otjozondjupa region has 160 polling stations across Otjiwarongo, Otavi, Grootfontein, Okakarara, Omatako and Tsumkwe.Large spreadPolling stations are set up in schools, constituency offices and farm areas, reflecting both rural and urban voter distribution.To the northeast, Kavango East (157) and Kavango West (148) maintain strong coverage, with the ECN relying heavily on mobile teams to reach remote forested and riverbank settlements along the Kavango River.Omaheke region lists 142 polling stations, serving communities spread across Gobabis, Otjinene, Epukiro, Otjombinde, Steinhausen and Amines. Here, long travel distances between settlements make mobile voting crucial.Along the coast, the Erongo region has 133 polling stations across Swakopmund, Walvis Bay Urban and Rural, Arandis, Omaruru, Daures, and surrounding areas such as Uis and Spitzkoppe.Most of these are fixed stations in schools and community centres, with smaller rural coverage extending inland.Further south, the Hardap region has 121 polling stations serving Mariental, Rehoboth, Gibeon, Aranos, Daweb, Hoachanas and nearby farming areas. The ||Kharas region, with 112 stations, covers Lüderitz, Keetmanshoop, Karasburg, Berseba, Oranjemund and smaller localities across the country’s southernmost terrain.The Khomas region, home to Windhoek, will have 118 polling stations, most of them fixed at schools, churches and community halls across the Windhoek East, Windhoek West, John Pandeni, Tobias Hainyeko and Windhoek Rural constituencies. The ECN said the urban layout allows voters to reach polling venues more quickly.At the bottom of the list is Kunene, with 95 polling stations, the fewest in the country. Sparse settlements and rugged terrain mean that most voting will rely on mobile teams operating from Opuwo, Sesfontein, Khorixas and Outjo, often travelling long distances between settlements and conservancies.Considerations for planningThe ECN said the distribution of polling stations was based on population density, accessibility, and geography, ensuring equitable coverage nationwide.The commission added that the 2025 rollout builds on reforms introduced under President Hage Geingob’s 2022 electoral-capacity-building programme, coordinated through the National Planning Commission, which strengthened election logistics and rural access.“Accessibility and fairness remain the cornerstones of our electoral planning,” the ECN said, urging all Namibians aged 18 and above to verify their registration details and turn out on election day to, as the commission put it, “put their voice in the box.”#namibiadecides2025

ECN increases polling stations to 4 861 as Zambezi tops the list

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-12

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ECN increases polling stations to 4 861 as Zambezi tops the list

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-12

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