Staff Reporter
AN ADDITIONAL 6,203 voters turned up for Wednesday’s Special Voting, significantly surpassing the initially planned turnout of 8,800, said Elsie Nghikembwa, chairperson of the ECN, during a media briefing in Windhoek this afternoon.
She said that although these numbers were not communicated to the Commission in advance by relevant stakeholders, all efforts were made to ensure no voter was disenfranchised.
Nghikembwa reported that 14,203 ballots were cast locally, while 2,147 ballots were cast at Namibian Diplomatic Missions abroad. Despite challenges encountered during the polling process, she confirmed that the election was successfully concluded.
She said: “All polling stations closed at 21:00 as provided for by the Electoral Act, and as per the Commission’s commitment, all voters in the queue by 21:00 were attended to. The last vote was cast at 04:00 AM this morning at the Osona polling station in the Omatako constituency. The counting process commenced immediately after the close of polls at all polling stations, with the first results announced at the Opuwo Police polling station in the Opuwo constituency at around 00:50. Counting and results announcement in the Omatako constituency concluded at approximately 13:00 this afternoon.”
She also said that voting abroad was successfully conducted without incidents or challenges. All polling stations at the 35 Namibian diplomatic missions closed at 21:00 in their respective time zones, with results announced and posted according to standard procedures.
Furthermore, the Commission is particularly satisfied with the performance of the enhanced voter verification device, which instantly searches for a voter and greatly improved the verification process.
Preliminary turnout indicates that 14,203 ballots were cast locally, and 2,147 ballots were cast at Namibian Diplomatic Missions. With an additional 6,203 voters in this category, turnout far exceeded the initially planned 8,800. Despite the fact that these numbers were not communicated to the Commission in advance by relevant stakeholders, every effort was made to prevent disenfranchisement.
The voter turnout per region, as announced and posted by presiding officers at various polling stations, is as follows:
- Kharas – 1,171
- Erongo – 2,542
- Hardap – 614
- Kavango East – 742
- Kavango West – 276
- Khomas – 2,016
- Kunene – 450
- Ohangwena – 707
- Omaheke – 451
- Omusati – 873
- Oshana – 1,407
- Oshikoto – 824
- Otjozondjupa – 1,601
- Zambezi – 529
For voter turnout at each Diplomatic Mission, see the accompanying table.
Nghikembwa continued: “This is indeed a commendable turnout, and we thank those who turned up to vote. We urge Namibians who have not yet voted to turn out in large numbers on November 27, 2024. We would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest appreciation for the hard work and dedication the media has shown, especially as we approach the upcoming general elections. The role of the media is invaluable, and as a Commission, we recognize and appreciate the crucial part you play in ensuring that information reaches all corners of our society.”
She further emphasized the importance of the media’s role in providing voters with timely, accurate information about election dates, voting procedures, polling stations, and their constitutional rights and responsibilities. “We call on the media to continue as our trusted partner in informing the electorate and the general public. Your involvement and accurate reporting are more important now than ever before.
In these times, it is essential not only to share the correct information promptly and accurately but also to dispel myths, rumors, and false narratives that often circulate during an election period. As you know, misinformation, particularly in the form of fake news, can sow confusion and mistrust in the electoral process. By fact-checking, verifying sources, and providing clear, accurate information, you assist the Commission in combating false narratives that could undermine public confidence in the electoral system.”
Nghikembwa concluded by assuring the media that the ECN remains an open and transparent organization. “Should you require any information or clarification, we are here to assist you. Our doors are always open for you to engage with us.”
