Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has invited registered political parties and independent candidates to submit nominations for the Guinas Constituency by-election in the Oshikoto Region.
In an announcement on Thursday, the ECN urged interested parties to submit their nominations promptly. Registered political parties can file nominations through the political party candidate portal from December 6 to 21 December.
Independent candidates, however, must submit their nominations by 19 December.
The by-election is necessitated by the death of former Guinas constituency councillor, Elias Barney Martinus who died at the age of 51 last month after a short illness in Tsumeb.
As per the Electoral Act, when a vacancy occurs in the council, by-elections must be held within 90 days to fill the vacant position.
ECN spokesperson De Wet Siluka stated that political parties intending to participate in the by-election may use the same credentials that were utilised during the nominations for the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly Elections.
“To ensure a smooth nomination process, the Commission has established a dedicated Helpdesk at the ECN Head Office. This Helpdesk is available to assist all independent candidates and political parties with their nominations for the by-election,” said Siluka.
He added that any candidate nominated for Regional Council is required to be a Namibian citizen, 21 years and above, and a registered voter, he or she should be nominated either by a registered political party or as an independent candidate, should be nominated by two persons appearing on the list of supporters in compliance with the provision of the law. Whereby the candidate must consent to the nomination made in a prescribed form.
“In the case of an independent candidate, a receipt indicating that an amount of N$2 500.00 has been deposited with the State Revenue Fund (NAMRA). In the case of a political party, a receipt indicating that an amount of N$ 2 500.00 has been deposited with the State Revenue Fund (NAMRA), and a certified copy of the registration certificate of the political party is attached,” said Siluka.
