ECN mobilises 5 000 cars, 21 000 officials ahead of elections

With just over two weeks before Namibia heads to the polls, the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) says preparations are on track, with over 5 000 vehicles secured and more than 21 000 polling officials undergoing training.The training, which began earlier this month, aims to ensure all electoral staff are well-versed in voting procedures, materials handling and the implementation of the commission’s newly strengthened accountability measures.ECN spokesperson De Wet Siluka said the packaging and distribution of sensitive materials, including ballot papers, seals and registers, is progressing smoothly and is expected to be completed by 17 November.Strict vehicle standardsIn accordance with the Public Procurement Act and the Electoral Operations Policy, the ECN invited members of the public to provide cars for election logistics, with a strong emphasis on safety, neutrality and reliability.All vehicles, the commission said, must not be older than 10 years and should be single- or double-cab 2x4 or 4x4s fitted with a canopy.They must be roadworthy, free of any political, religious or commercial slogans and equipped with tyres less than five years old.Before deployment, each vehicle undergoes mandatory inspection conducted by the Namibian Police traffic unit.Vehicle owners whose cars meet the required standards sign a formal contract with the ECN and must provide a certified copy of their identity document, vehicle registration certificate and proof of insurance or an indemnity form.Regional mobilisation underwayThe nationwide vehicle testing and inspection process ran from 27 to 31 October at police and traffic centres across all 14 regions. Preference was given to vehicles based in the constituencies where they will be deployed, ensuring efficient local participation and rapid mobilisation on election day.Among the regions with the highest vehicle requirements are Ohangwena (716), Omusati (689), Oshikoto (520), Otjozondjupa (389) and Kavango East (329).Other regions include Kunene with 351, Oshana with 330, Zambezi with 326, Kavango West with 327, Khomas with 276, Omaheke with 277, Hardap with 174, Erongo with 230, and ||Kharas with 239.Regional coordinators have been appointed to oversee testing and allocation processes, working closely with local law enforcement to ensure that vehicles meet the required standards.Equipment deployment In addition to vehicles and polling materials, the ECN has also secured key logistical equipment across all regions.The latest data show that more than 11 000 steel tables, 13 000 chairs, 1 800 generators, over 1 000 tents and 4 000 folding plastic tables will be distributed to support polling operations.Among the central allocations, Omusati region, based in Outapi, tops the list with 1 091 steel tables, 3 043 chairs and 340 generators.Omaheke in Gobabis will deploy 1 495 chairs, 98 generators, and 50 tents. Ohangwena at Eenhana has 190 steel tables, 1 098 chairs, and 110 tents.Otjozondjupa at Otjiwarongo will distribute 400 tables, 1 000 chairs and 160 generators.Khomas in Windhoek is allocated 1 568 chairs, 107 generators, and 86 tents, alongside 804 folding plastic tables.Other regions such as Erongo, Kavango East and West, Kunene, Oshikoto, and Zambezi have also been stocked with furniture and backup power units to support polling stations in remote areas.The 21 000 polling officials will be stationed at more than 4 200 polling stations across the country, ensuring that voting and counting processes adhere to ECN standards and electoral law.The regional council and local authority elections, scheduled for Wednesday, 26 November, will mark Namibia’s seventh regional and local polls since independence.#namibiadecides2025

ECN mobilises 5 000 cars, 21 000 officials ahead of elections

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-12

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ECN mobilises 5 000 cars, 21 000 officials ahead of elections

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-12

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