Kandjemuni Kamuiiri
Parliament has shortlisted 15 candidates to be interviewed for three commissioner positions that are set to become vacant on the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN).
Among those shortlisted and vying for the ECN posts, is 25-year-old Munolwisho Ipangelua, who if successful, will become the youngest commissioner to be appointed on the ECN board, with the oldest being 65-year-old pastor, Petrus van Zyl.
The vacancies will arise due to the end of the terms of current Chairperson, Notemba Tjipueja, and Ulrich Freyer on the 15th of September. Both have served two terms and cannot be considered for reappointment due to the two-term limit.
The other vacancy will emanate from the expiry of the first term of Elsie Nghikembua, also on the 15th of September.
Also, up for grabs in the newly composed ECN after the planned interviews, will be the post of Chairperson.
“The terms of office of three electoral Commissioners expires on 15 September 2021. The positions were advertised and the Selection Committee appointed by the Electoral Act, 2015,” National Assembly spokesperson David Nahogandja said.
“The shortlisted 15 candidates will be interviewed at 09H00 on 10 May 2021 in Committee Room C1 of the National Assembly.”
According to the Government gazette of the Republic of Namibia, the shortlisted candidates made up of seven females and eight males include Maria N M Amupolo, Francina N Keendjele, Dr. Emmerentia Leonard, Ndilimeke Mavulu, Elsie T Nghikembua, Andreas N Maseke, Vilyo N Ndapopiwa, Joram K Rukambe, Dr. Hendrik R Tjibeba, Dr. Ellison Tjirera, Rui A Tyitende, Rachel T Mundilo, Dr. Gerson I Sindano, as well as the above mentioned Munolwisho E Ipangelua and Pastor. Petrus van Zyl.
The role of the ECN is to oversee all Namibian electoral activities starting from voter registration and political party registration, to the setting and monitoring of elections, counting of ballots and availing results.
