Young voters could shape 2025 elections

The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) says young voters will play a defining role in the upcoming regional council and local authority elections, with 643 117 Namibians aged 18 to 35 – representing 42.9% of the 1 499 449 registered voters – now on the voters&#039; roll.Chief electoral and referenda officer Peter Shaama said the surge in youth registration reflects the country’s growing civic consciousness.“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 noted. "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,” Shaama added. Namibia’s final register shows 1 670 813 eligible citizens, with women accounting for 808 419 (53.9%) of registered voters, men 691 080 (46.1%), and youth forming the single largest and most influential group.The Khomas region leads the nation with 283 948 registered voters, of which an estimated 44% are youth, driven largely by high urban registration in Windhoek’s constituencies, such as Samora Machel, Moses ǁGaroëb and Tobias Hainyeko.Young voters ready for the pollsYouth mobilisation in the capital has benefited from targeted campaigns encouraging first-time voters to participate in local decision-making.In the northern regions, youth enthusiasm also remains strong.Omusati region, with 145 989 registered voters, and Ohangwena region, with 143 954 registered voters, both report youth proportions above 45%, reflecting rural engagement and strong voter education networks.Similarly, Oshana’s 128 334 registered voters include thousands of young professionals and students concentrated in Ongwediva, Oshakati and Ondangwa, making it one of the youngest electorates per capita.In the Oshikoto region, which recorded 113 859 registered voters, youth make up about 43%, mirroring participation trends in Otjozondjupa (109 831) and Erongo (146 235), where the ECN reports renewed voter interest among first-time coastal voters in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.Further east, the Kavango East (90 988) and Kavango West (49 952) regions show slower youth registration, averaging 39%, partly due to migration and limited digital registration access in rural areas.Yet the Zambezi region, with 63 673 registered voters, recorded nearly 46% youth participation, one of the highest youth participation rates nationally.Pivotal influence Southern regions such as Hardap (54 640) and ǁKharas (63 673) show steady youth representation of around 41%, reflecting a modest yet consistent level of engagement.In the Kunene region, with 62 264 registered voters, youth participation stands at about 42%, boosted by mobile registration teams that reached remote communities in Opuwo, Epupa and Sesfontein.Nationally, the ECN says Namibia’s 1.5 million registered voters include more than 640 000 young people, underscoring their pivotal role in shaping policy direction and leadership renewal at regional and local levels.Shaama added that this year’s elections will be managed using enhanced digital systems to improve accountability and accessibility.“We are encouraged by the enthusiasm of the youth. Their participation shows faith in democracy and ensures that the country’s future remains in capable hands,” he said.#namibiadecides2025

Young voters could shape 2025 elections

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-12

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Young voters could shape 2025 elections

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-12

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