ECN launches electoral calendar
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) officially launched its 2025 Electoral Calendar and nationwide voter education campaign on Wednesday ahead of the upcoming regional council and local authority elections later this year.
Speaking at the launch, ECN chairperson Elsie Nghikembua, said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our democratic journey. We are not simply unveiling dates; we are guiding the nation toward meaningful electoral participation," she said.
The commission said the calendar was developed based on lessons learned from the 2024 presidential and National Assembly elections.
A comprehensive post-election review was conducted, and a performance assessment report was submitted to the Speaker of the National Assembly in line with the Electoral Act.
“The report took into account all findings and recommendations from accredited observers of the 2024 elections. It will be made public in due course to foster accountability and continual improvement," Nghikembua added.
A supplementary registration of voters (SRV) will be conducted from 1 to 14 August. This process will cater to citizens who turned 18 after the 2024 general registration of voters, as well as those requiring new or replacement voter cards or changes to their registered addresses.
Voter education
However, unlike last year’s registration drive, this SRV will be limited to within Namibia, as the elections are constituency- and locality-based.
As part of its broader campaign, the ECN will intensify civic and voter education efforts throughout the year, with a particular focus on youth engagement and outreach to remote communities.
“Our campaign title 'Get Involved' serves as a direct call for active participation, urging citizens to engage in registration and voting as a fundamental democratic responsibility,” ECN commissioner Gerson Tjihenuna said.
The campaign will make use of digital media, community forums and school debates to encourage active participation.
Speaking at the launch, ECN chairperson Elsie Nghikembua, said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our democratic journey. We are not simply unveiling dates; we are guiding the nation toward meaningful electoral participation," she said.
The commission said the calendar was developed based on lessons learned from the 2024 presidential and National Assembly elections.
A comprehensive post-election review was conducted, and a performance assessment report was submitted to the Speaker of the National Assembly in line with the Electoral Act.
“The report took into account all findings and recommendations from accredited observers of the 2024 elections. It will be made public in due course to foster accountability and continual improvement," Nghikembua added.
A supplementary registration of voters (SRV) will be conducted from 1 to 14 August. This process will cater to citizens who turned 18 after the 2024 general registration of voters, as well as those requiring new or replacement voter cards or changes to their registered addresses.
Voter education
However, unlike last year’s registration drive, this SRV will be limited to within Namibia, as the elections are constituency- and locality-based.
As part of its broader campaign, the ECN will intensify civic and voter education efforts throughout the year, with a particular focus on youth engagement and outreach to remote communities.
“Our campaign title 'Get Involved' serves as a direct call for active participation, urging citizens to engage in registration and voting as a fundamental democratic responsibility,” ECN commissioner Gerson Tjihenuna said.
The campaign will make use of digital media, community forums and school debates to encourage active participation.
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