Staff Reporter
A TOTAL of 1,153,916 eligible Namibians have registered to vote in the country and at all Namibian Diplomatic Missions abroad, accounting for about 71% of the eligible voters.
This announcement was made by Peter Shaama, the Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN).
“The total number of voters registered from 15 to 20 July 2024 stands at 164,535 voters, representing an average of 27,404 registered voters per day, which is a slight decline compared to the turnout of the previous week (8-13 July 2024). While acknowledging the improvement in the cumulative turnout to date at both regional and constituency levels, the Commission remains optimistic that more Namibians will turn out to register within the remaining ten days before the end of the GRV period on 1 August 2024,” Shaama said.
He further disclosed that by 20 July 2024, 8 out of 14 regions had achieved a turnout of 70% or higher. Shaama expressed optimism that the remaining six regions would continue to improve voter turnout during the remaining days of voter registration.
He highlighted that the Ohangwena, Omusati, and Oshana regions had the highest turnout at 80%, followed by the Kunene Region (75%), Erongo Region (72%), Oshikoto Region (71%), //Kharas Region (70%), and Kavango West Region (70%).
“As we are about to conclude the GRV, Namibians are reminded that there is no opportunity for extending the period of registration of voters due to statutory limitations within which the Commission is required to finalise remaining key electoral activities in preparation for the polling process. These include, amongst others, the finalisation and production of the provisional voters register for display, inspection & objection; ruling by the Electoral Tribunal & Electoral Court; nomination of candidates; and the design and printing of ballot papers, all of which are executed in accordance with the provisions of the law,” Shaama said.
He reminded everyone that the GRV continues across the country and at all Namibian Diplomatic Missions abroad until 1 August 2024, from Monday to Saturday, 08:00 to 19:00.
