Niël Terblanché
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has announced the registration of the Association for Localised Interest (ASOLI) as an association under the Electoral Act, 2014.
This development, published in Government Gazette No. 8585, opens a 30-day window from 4 March to 4 April 2025 for objections from any registered organisation or individual.
In a statement confirming the registration, Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer, Peter Shaama, outlined the legal basis for the announcement.
“Pursuant to Section 148(7) of the Electoral Act, Act No. 5 of 2014, as amended, the Electoral Commission of Namibia hereby formally announces the registration of ASOLI, inviting objections from any duly registered organisation or association within the designated period,” he said.
According to Shaama, ASOLI, which has its official office at Erf 1035, Independence Avenue, Katutura, Windhoek, submitted its application in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Shaama’s announcement also included a list of the names and addresses of the office bearers, as well as details of the voters who signed the required declaration.
The association is led by President and Authorised Representative Godfried Kauhanda, with Shivela Haraseb serving as Acting Secretary.
Other members of the leadership include Windich Muvangua and Juliane Hoaes.
The notice further stated that objections to the registration, the use of the association’s name, abbreviation, or symbol, must be submitted in writing to the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer within the prescribed time frame.
According to Shaama, objections can be lodged on the grounds that the name, abbreviation, or symbol of the association is too similar to that of a registered organisation and could cause confusion among voters.
Additionally, any individual listed as a signatory to the declaration can be challenged if their name does not appear on the local authority voters’ register.
The ECN has assured that due consideration will be given to all objections received before the deadline.
According to Shaama, the registration of ASOLI under the Electoral Act signals a step towards formalising its participation within Namibia’s electoral framework.
