Stefanus Nashama
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), Elsie Nghikembua, on Wednesday, entered into a collaboration in electoral management with her counterpart, Pedro Pérez, the President of the National Electoral Council (NEC) of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
Speaking at the occasion, Nghikembua said the agreement aims to elevate and strengthen the interests of the electoral entities toward enhancing democracy between Namibia and Venezuela.
She cited Venezuela’s commitment to stronger collaboration with the ECN and its development in utilizing the knowledge, and expertise, and building stronger electoral systems and processes.
“Namibia, through ECN, is committed to working with Venezuela to maintain momentum and for the technical guidance to help achieve our goals, and we are equally looking forward to building upon the shared experiences and collaborating closely in areas of our common interest in the furtherance of this MoU,” she reiterated.Nghikembua said the two countries will continue to build on the friendship between their institutions to develop new areas of collaboration to the benefit of the electorates.
Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer, Theo Mujoro, Commissioner Gerson Sindano, and Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Omar Berroteran Paredes,witnessed the signing at Windhoek, yesterday.
Nghikembua stressed that the long-standing relations between the two countries confirm and strengthen the interest of their electoral entities to promote closer ties to collaborate in the area of electoral administration.
The knowledge and techniques in electoral matters, voter registration, and citizen participation in the electoral process are on of the electoral activities targeted by the agreement, she emphasized.
“Now we must translate the MoU from a commitment on paper to a reality to benefit our two countries and institutions,’ she said.
She said the agreement is imperative as Namibia prepares for its 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections, as well as 2025 Regional Councils and Local Authorities elections,” she added.
She stated the agreement is a historic milestone for mutual cooperation in the organization of the election processes and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
“I am a strong believer in partnerships, this collaboration will strengthen the exercise of democratic rights for our two countries,’ she said.
