Justicia Shipena
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) said that only two political parties observed the printing of ballot papers for the upcoming regional councils and local authorities elections set for 26 November 2025.
ECN chief electoral and referenda officer Peter Shaama disclosed this during a media briefing at the ECN headquarters in Windhoek on Monday, following the official arrival of the ballot papers in the country.
Shaama said the printing, packaging and sealing of the ballot papers took place under the supervision of two political parties and the Namibian Police before being transported to Namibia under secure conditions.
Three weeks ago, the ECN announced that it would not cover travel expenses for political parties and stakeholders who wished to observe the printing process in South Africa, citing high costs. The commission said funding the travel of more than 100 political party representatives would cost over N$10 million.
During last year’s presidential and National Assembly elections, the ECN spent close to N$1 million to send 21 delegates to South Africa to observe ballot printing.
This year’s decision not to fund travel led to dissatisfaction among opposition parties.
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) was one of the party that funded its own representative to observe the printing process in Johannesburg.
Shaama said the commission made efforts to maintain transparency by inviting all political parties, organisations, associations, and independent candidates to observe the design, production, printing and packaging of ballot papers.
“As part of ensuring transparency, the commission invited all political parties, organisations, associations, and independent candidates to observe the design, production, printing, and packaging of ballot papers in Johannesburg, South Africa,” he said.
“Those unable to send representatives were given the opportunity to verify and sign off sample ballot papers at the ECN headquarters,” he added.
Uniprint Global, a South African-based company, was awarded a N$4.9 million contract to print and deliver 1 815 100 ballot papers for the regional councils election and 920 400 for the local authorities election after an open international bidding process.
Four international companies, which are E7 Group United Printing, Shave & Gibson, Ren-Form CC, and Uniprint Global, submitted bids. Uniprint Global emerged as the lowest evaluated bidder.
Shaama said the design and production of the ballot papers took place between 21 and 22 October, followed by verification by political parties, associations, and independent candidates from 22 to 23 October.
Printing began on 24 October and concluded on 2 November.
He said the ECN had implemented strict quality and security measures to ensure the credibility of the ballot papers.
“The ECN has established strict specifications for paper quality and incorporated advanced security features in line with international best practices to safeguard the integrity of the elections,” he said.
Shaama added that the ECN had engaged the political party liaison committee and other stakeholders throughout the procurement process.
With the ballot printing complete, the commission will now focus on activities ahead of polling day, including the distribution of election materials from 4 to 17 November, training of polling officials from 7 to 15 November and special voting for police officers and election staff on 24 November.
Captions
Photo 1 – A shipment of ballot papers for the regional and local authority elections arrived at Hosea Kutako International Airport on Monday.
Photo 2 – An IPC representative inspects sealed ballot boxes
- Photos: ECN
