Allexer Namundjembo
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) launched the 2025 electoral calendar and voter and civic education campaign on Wednesday in Windhoek.
This marks the start of preparations for this year’s Regional Council and Local Authority elections.
ECN chairperson Elsie Nghikembua described the electoral calendar as more than just a timeline.
“This calendar is not merely the showcasing of dates; it is a beacon guiding us towards active engagement in our democratic rights and responsibilities,” she said.
Nghikembua also confirmed that a post-election review of the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections has been completed.
“I wish to assure our electoral stakeholders that the report will become a public document,” she added.
Nghikembua emphasised that this year’s civic education campaign will be broad and inclusive.
“Voter and civic education is the foundation of an informed electorate. We must ensure that no one is left behind,” she said.
Lukas Sinimbo Muha, chairperson of the National Council and keynote speaker at the event, stressed the importance of grassroots participation in the upcoming elections.
“Elections are a contest to govern, a contest of ideas, a contest of preferred solutions, and never a contestation of enemies,” he said.
Muha urged Namibians to avoid repeating the low turnout seen in the 2020 local elections, where only 38.3% and 43.2% of registered voters participated.
“We must do better. Voting in the upcoming elections is equally critical as it gives every voter a voice in their local and regional government and strengthens our democracy,” he said.
Namibia’s chief electoral and referenda officer, Peter Shaama, presented the electoral roadmap, explaining that the commission had adopted an internationally recognised electoral cycle framework.
“Our goal is to ensure the process is inclusive, transparent, and efficient,” he noted.
Key dates on the electoral calendar include the supplementary registration of voters from 4 to 19 August 2025, the nomination of independent candidates on 14 October and of political parties on 16 October, special voting for officials and police on 24 November, and the main election day on 26 November 2025.
Muha echoed this by reminding Namibians of their responsibility.
“An informed voter is a strong citizen. Democracy thrives on the active participation of all people, protection of their rights, and the promotion of civic engagement.”
The commission urged all eligible Namibians to register, participate in civic forums, and turn out in numbers to vote.
“Voting is the first duty of democracy,” said Muha.
“Every election is determined by the people who show up.”
However, social justice activist Sem David criticised the ECN for what he saw as a failure to properly educate the public on voting and civic participation.
He referred to the low voter turnout figures from the 2020 local elections and expressed concerns about the commission’s effectiveness in educating citizens.
“The failing posture of the Electoral Commission of Namibia in educating citizens is a perennial concern for political parties,” David said.
He also criticised the disconnect between ECN’s public messaging and the reality on the ground.
“This proclamation of appearing as doing much better while statistics indicate a drop should be heavily condemned,” he said.
David further questioned the extent of the ECN’s outreach, asking, “How far has the Electoral Commission gone in ensuring that every Namibian is equipped with knowledge and understanding of their voting rights?”
While acknowledging the ECN’s mandate under the Electoral Act No. 5 of 2014 to conduct voter education, he argued that the current efforts are insufficient.
“I feel that nothing much is being done. The ECN needs to put more effort into education.”
David suggested integrating ECN education into school curricula, specifically from Grade 8 to 12, as a solution.
He also accused the commission of failing to engage political parties and stakeholders meaningfully.
“In most cases, the ECN is failing to engage political parties on a realistic basis of improvement and is not adequately responding to recommendations. This reflects negligence,” David said.
