November elections see fewer candidates, independents down 26%

The number of candidates contesting Namibia’s regional council and local authority elections has fallen compared to previous polls, with both political parties and independents showing reduced participation.According to the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), a total of 456 candidates from 20 political parties and 68 independent candidates have been confirmed to contest the 26 November polls.This marks a decline from the 2020 polls, which featured 503 candidates, including 92 independents representing 18 political parties and 13 associations.In the 2020 elections, 1 375 640 voters were registered.For the 2025 polls, the ECN has confirmed 1 499 449 registered voters. Namibia has 14 regional councils and 57 local authority councils, with elected representatives set to serve five-year terms.A total of 25 political parties and 29 registered associations or organisations are currently registered with the ECN.However, only 20 political parties are fielding candidates this year. The Christian Democratic Voice, Monitor Action Group, National Empowerment Fighting Corruption, National Patriotic Front and the Workers Revolutionary Party will not take part. Fewer independents, persistent challengesThe number of independent candidates has dropped by about 26% since 2020.According to the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), independent contenders continue to face structural barriers, including limited campaign resources, weak local networks and entrenched party loyalties.The IPPR noted that the earliest example of an independent candidate winning a regional council contest was Katjanna Kaurivi, elected in the Otjombinde constituency in 2015.In 2020, two more independents followed: Paulus Mbangu in Rundu Rural Constituency and Bennety Likulela Busihu in Kongola constituency, who received 1 236 votes.“Life can be difficult for constituency-based independents who take on a dominant ruling party,” the IPPR observed, adding that regional councils are relatively weak structures within Namibia’s political system.Staunch loyalty However, these councils play a crucial constitutional role. Each of Namibia’s 14 regional councils elects three members to represent the region in the National Council, the upper house of parliament, totalling 42 councillors within the structure. Through this system, regional election outcomes directly influence the composition and regional balance of the National Council.The IPPR explained that local grievances or protest votes occasionally propel independents into competitive positions, but Namibia’s party system remains deeply rooted. Voters often revert to long-established allegiances in elections.The institute recalled that in the 1998 local authority elections, several residents’ associations performed strongly, even taking control of Otavi and Rehoboth, but by the 2004 elections, most had disappeared.Despite these obstacles, the participation of 68 independent candidates in this year's polls reflects ongoing citizen interest in community-driven representation and a desire to challenge traditional political structures at the local level.ECN ready for November pollsThe ECN has said preparations for the elections are progressing according to schedule, with candidate lists confirmed and election materials in place.The commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections.With 1.38 million registered voters in 2020 and 1.5 million registered for 2025, and candidate numbers now declining, Namibia’s regional and local elections – covering 14 regional councils, 57 local authorities, 25 political parties and 29 registered associations – will test both party loyalty and the resilience of independent voices across the country.

November elections see fewer candidates, independents down 26%

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-06

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November elections see fewer candidates, independents down 26%

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-06

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