Staff Reporter
A TOTAL of 19,359 eligible voters have been registered in all 121 constituencies and 59 local authorities during the first week of the ongoing Supplementary Registration of Voters (SRV).
In addition, 12,270 voters changed their addresses, having moved from one constituency to another, while 4,181 registered voters applied for duplicate voter registration cards.
The first-week turnout was highest in Erongo. The coastal region, which had 139,966 registered voters, gained 2,453 more. Turnout was lowest in the //Karas Region, which added only 515 new registered voters to its pre-existing tally of 52,818.
The ECN’s Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer, Peter Shaama, said that the process, which began on the 4th and lasts until the 19th of August, is progressing smoothly but lamented the low turnout.
“While appreciating and commending all eligible voters who made efforts to register during the first week of SRV, the Commission said with great concern the low turnout recorded,” he said, as he encouraged eligible voters — especially young voters who have turned 18 since the conclusion of the 2024 General Registration of Voters (GRV) and those whose voter cards are written ‘Not Applicable’ but have been residing in the same local authority areas since 2 August 2024 — to take this opportunity to register.
“We also urge eligible voters who have relocated to a different constituency or missed the chance to register during the 2024 GRV to register now,” he appealed.
To be eligible for registration, a voter must be a Namibian citizen, at least 18 years old, and able to identify themselves. Additionally, eligible voters must apply for registration in the constituency and local authority where they reside. Specifically, a voter is required to demonstrate that they have resided in a local authority area for a consecutive period of 12 months. Such proof can be provided by either presenting a water and electricity bill, a telephone account, or a declaration under oath with the registration officials.
The SRV exercise is ongoing across the country, from Mondays to Saturdays between 08:00 and 19:00.
Photo: MICT – Kavango West
