Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) vice president and Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes will contest the Walvis Bay Urban Constituency seat in the upcoming Regional Council elections. The confirmation follows the party’s announcement of vetted candidates for both regional council and local authority elections.
The announcement was made in a notice issued on 12 September 2025 by IPC national general secretary Christine Aochamus to all Regional Executive Committees. The notice confirmed that the vetting process for candidates had been completed.
According to Aochamus, “All approved candidates shall proceed with elections in their respective Local Authorities. In constituencies where there is more than one candidate, elections must also be conducted accordingly.”
She stressed that the process would be conducted under strict party guidelines. “Each election must be overseen by a duly appointed Presiding Officer, with at least one Observer present to ensure transparency, order, and adherence to IPC rules and procedures,” she said.
The notice also urged discipline and compliance with the IPC constitution. “Let us work together to guarantee a credible process that strengthens our party and inspires confidence among our people,” Aochamus said.
She called for unity among members, stating that the nomination of candidates is only the beginning of the electoral process. “Your commitment has ensured that our party continues to uphold integrity, fairness, and unity as we prepare for this important electoral season,” she added.
The final list of approved candidates must be submitted by 22 September.
Forbes’s decision to contest the Regional Council seat comes as he continues to serve as mayor of Walvis Bay, a position he has held since the party made gains in the 2020 Local Authority elections.
While IPC has confirmed its candidates, the Electoral Commission of Namibia is expected to release the official register of contestants once nominations close. Walvis Bay Urban has in previous elections recorded higher voter turnout than many other urban constituencies. In the last Regional Council elections, opposition parties gained ground against the ruling party.
