Staff Reporter
THE Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) will pronounce itself in due course regarding the vacant Outapi Constituency councillor position following the appointment on 1 July of former councillor Immanuel Shikongo as the new governor of the Omusati Region.
The law mandates the holding of a by-election to fill such a vacancy within three months.
However, whoever emerges victorious from the by-election, which has to take place before 1 October, will serve in the position for approximately one month only before the Regional Council and Local Authority elections in November.
Queried about the suitability of holding a by-election shortly before the November elections, ECN spokesperson De Wet Shiluka said the Commission will pronounce itself on the matter in due course.
In 2020, Shikongo became Outapi councillor after winning by a large margin. He obtained 8,682 votes, followed by the IPC’s Frans Taapopi with 1,094 votes.
During last year’s general elections, the Outapi Constituency proved, once again, to be a SWAPO Party stronghold. The ruling party obtained 17,659 votes, followed by the IPC and the AR with 2,790 and 1,296 votes respectively.
The remaining 18 political parties trailed behind, obtaining between 132 votes (PDM) and as few as five votes (UNP).
PICTURED: Omusati Governor, Immanuel Shikongo.
