Allexer Namundjembo
Political analyst Sackaria Johannes has described the Outapi Constituency by-election as a “research pilot study”.
He believes that the contest, scheduled just weeks before the national polls, will serve as an early test of voter sentiment in Omusati, a region long regu as a Swapo stronghold.
Only two political parties, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and Swapo, will contest the by-election set for 29 September 2025.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) this week announced Selma Asino, the current mayor of Outapi, as Swapo’s candidate, while IPC fielded Fillemon Shikwambi.
“The results will determine how those specific parties will perform in the November elections,” Johannes said in a call with the Windhoek Observer yesterday.
The by-election follows the resignation of councillor Immanuel Shikongo on 1 July after his appointment as Omusati regional governor.
The ECN gazetted the vacancy on 18 July in line with the Regional Councils Act of 1992.
The law requires a by-election within three months of a vacancy unless the outgoing member’s term is due to expire within that period.
With regional and local elections still more than two months away, the ECN was compelled to proceed.
ECN chief electoral officer Peter Shaama said the institution acted strictly within the law.
“The commission is obliged by the Regional Councils Act to conduct the by-election, as the remaining term of office exceeds three months before the general elections in November,” he said.
He called on political parties to ensure a peaceful contest.
“The ECN calls upon all contesting political parties and their candidates to conduct themselves with utmost respect for the law and democratic principles. We are committed to delivering a credible process that reflects the will of the people of Outapi,” Shaama said.
The by-election comes after weeks of heated debate.
Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader Job Amupanda earlier accused the ECN of trying to delay the process in favour of Swapo.
However, ECN dismissed the allegations as “false, baseless, and malicious.”
Shaama said ECN operated transparently, presenting its draft election timetable to parties and addressing concerns through the political parties liaison committee.
