Stefanus Nashama , Hertta-Maria Amutenya and Allexer Namundjembo
Special voting election results from Asia came on Wednesday afternoon, showing the ruling Swapo party and its presidential candidate leading.
Over 8 000 members of uniformed forces, diplomatic missions, and seagoing personnel cast their votes on November 13, ahead of the national election date of November 27.
Thirty-eight people voted in Beijing, China, and the result came in as follows:
Presidential elections:
Nandi-Ndaitwah: 25
Itula: 6
Amupanda: 4
Venaani: 1
Swartbooi: 1
Shuumbwa: 1
National Assembly:
Swapo: 24
AR: 7
IPC: 4
PDM: 1
ADM: 1
Body of Christ: 1
Ten Namibians voted in Tokyo, Japan.
All 10 of them voted for Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for president and for parliament, seven voted for Swapo, while three voted for Affirmative Repositioning (AR).
Nineteen Namibians, who reside in Malaysia, cast their votes as follows:
Swapo: 10
PDM: 3
RP: 2
LPM: 2
AR: 2
Special voting for members of the uniform forces, such as the Namibian Defence Force, Namibian Police, Namibia Correctional Services, Navy, and seagoing personnel, took place in all fourteen regions of the country at the Van Rhyn Primary School in Windhoek.
In the Khomas region and Osona polling station in the Otjozondjupa region, polling stations were filled with scenes of chaos as members of the Namibian Defence Force attempted to squeeze themselves into the venue to cast their votes.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) had only two polling places in the entire Khomas region, which led to complaints from the forces about the poor delivery of voting services.
“It is fine. I am going home. Why are they only having two polling stations when they know we are a lot?” said one of the voters.
Some voters were also seen having discussions in groups complaining about long queues.
“They were supposed to make the NDF and police queues separately. Now there is no order,” they said.
The Windhoek Observer understands the chaos that erupted because not everyone was supposed to vote.
The list of Wednesday voters was provided to ECN because they will be on duty on November 27.
High-ranking security force members skipping queues at the Osona polling station caused tensions and made it difficult for other voters to cast their ballots.
Observers noted that the practice made it difficult for non-force members to receive assistance and led to a call for equal treatment at the polls.
Swapo observer, Ben Karamila stationed at Osona expressed concern over the disruption, stating that some high-ranking officers appeared to be using their positions to gain priority access to vote.
“Everyone should be treated equally as a voter, regardless of rank,” said Katamila.
The situation prompted a response from police officers present, who stepped in to restore order and ensure that lines proceeded fairly.
Katamila also expressed satisfaction with the day’s organization, commending the orderly conduct and transparency of the voting procedures.
“We are pleased with how the voting is proceeding,” he said.
He noted only one instance where a voter opted to participate solely in the presidential election rather than casting votes in both the presidential and National Assembly ballots.
The presiding officer at the station, Gerson Kaambi, provided an update on the day’s proceedings, noting that, despite some minor disruptions, the voting process overall was running smoothly.
“Everything is running as planned, and voters are participating actively,” he said.
The Khomas Central Regional Commander, Commissioner Leonard Mahundu of the Namibian Correctional Service, said the correctional facilities are ready for those who misbehave during the voting process.
“In case people misbehave and the police arrest them, our facilities are ready,” he says.
Mahundu expressed satisfaction with the order of the voting process.
ECN returning officer for Windhoek West Constituency, Rakondjerua Kavari said despite some disorder outside the polling stations, the the voting process has been smooth and fast.
“You know people are excited to cast their votes. There has been a lot of pushing here and there, but the commanders and police officers are getting their people in order,” he said.
Kavari also noted there were several political party representatives present at the polling station.
“I saw AR, SWAPO, PDM, IPC, LPM, NEFF, and many other party agents,” he said.
AR urged the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) to ensure that there would be no chaos during the general election day on 27 November.
George Kambala, AR spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday.
“We urge the ECN to act swiftly to restore order at the affected polling stations and to take concrete steps to ensure that this does not happen again on election day,” he stressed.
Kambala said men and women in uniform deserve a process that works for them, not against them.
“We demand that the ECN correct its course immediately to avoid any further disruptions, delays, or confusion,” he said.
At the same time, Kambala calls on all Namibians to remain calm during election time.
The official result of the Special Voting Day will be released alongside the general election results.
