Niël Terblanché
The Namibian Police has reaffirmed its readiness to ensure a peaceful and secure environment during the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for Wednesday.
At a media briefing in Windhoek on behalf of the Inspector General, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo on Friday, Major General Elias Mutota outlined the comprehensive measures the security cluster has implemented to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and safeguard public safety.
“The Namibian Police will create a safe, secure, and peaceful environment during these elections,” Mutota said.
He assured the nation that NamPol, in collaboration with the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) and other stakeholders, has developed a robust security plan to address potential challenges before, during, and after election day.
“One of the critical pillars of this plan is the deployment of 4 677 officers to polling stations across all 121 constituencies in Namibia,” he said.
Mutota confirmed that police officers have undergone extensive training to manage crowd dynamics, handle potential disturbances, and provide professional assistance to voters.
“Our officers are well-prepared to deal with any challenges that may arise, ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections,” he said.
The general added that security arrangements extend beyond polling stations.
“The Namibian Police has established a National Joint Operations Centre, complemented by regional centres, to coordinate election-related activities nationwide. Police escorts will be provided throughout the transportation and storage phases to secure sensitive election materials,” he said.
Mutota also appealed to the public to play their part in maintaining order and cooperating with authorities.
He added that people should keep the prohibition of alcohol sales on election day in mind and urged political actors to promote peace and refrain from inflammatory rhetoric.
“We remind all political players to prioritize peace and unity, which are the hallmarks of our democratic system,” he said.
“These elections are a cornerstone of our democracy,” Mutota said while stressing the importance of public vigilance against criminal elements seeking to exploit the period.
The general reassured Namibians and international observers of the Security Cluster’s commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring a credible electoral process.
“The public is called upon to uphold and support these efforts to ensure that the elections proceed smoothly and without incident,” he said.
In addition to the plans to secure the election process and in a bid to address crime and ensure the safety of citizens and visitors, NamPol launched a National Crime Prevention Operation on 3 November 2024, which will run until 2 December 2024.
Mutota added that this operation encompasses safeguarding electoral materials and protecting the lives and properties of all Namibians.
He encouraged the public to report any incidents, no matter how minor, to ensure swift action by the authorities.
