Niël Terblanché
More than 130 regional electoral and returning officers from all over the country have converged at Swakopmund, where they are undergoing an eight-day training in preparation for the November elections.
Elsie Nghikembua, chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), said during the official opening of the training session on Thursday that the training is a crucial part of preparations for the upcoming elections.
“These elections will not just be a test of our administrative capability but also an opportunity for us to reinforce public trust in our electoral process. Each one of you has been selected for your experience, your dedication, and your unwavering commitment to our core values,” she told the participants.
Nghikembua stressed the importance of the training, describing it as essential to reinforcing public trust in Namibia’s electoral process.
She added that the November elections are expected to be a further test of the commission’s administrative capabilities.
“Each election presents an opportunity for our people to express their aspirations for the future through the leaders they choose,” she said.
According to Nghikembua, the role of the officers is integral in safeguarding the transparency and fairness of the electoral system at the grassroots level.
As part of the eight-day training programme, officers will undergo rigorous instruction on electoral laws, conflict resolution, and the application of technology in the voting process.
Nghikembua urged attendees to approach the training with the seriousness it deserves while also stressing that full participation is essential for success.
She said that the commission set high expectations for the officers, stressing the importance of diligence and professionalism.
“Negligence in the discharge of duties could lead to penalties as outlined in the Electoral Act No. 5 of 2014,” she warned.
Nghikembua also pointed out the complex challenges that may arise during the election process, from logistical issues to political dynamics.
She, however, expressed confidence in the abilities of the officers and encouraged them to work collaboratively to address any obstacles.
“Communication is key,” she said while also stressing the importance of teamwork in strengthening the electoral framework.
She praised the electoral team’s hard work and resilience during the recent General Registration of Voters (GRV), hailing it as a significant success.
“The success of the GRV was not without its challenges, but the dedication and professionalism of the officers for navigating these hurdles and maintaining the integrity of the process should be credited,” Nghikembua said.
Reflecting on a post-mortem review of the GRV conducted by the ECN, she revealed that the purpose of this review was not only to celebrate achievements but also to identify lessons learned.
“This approach is a demonstration of the Commission’s commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that future elections are handled with the utmost efficiency and transparency,” she said.
She said that the training session is clear evidence that the ECN is well on its way to preparing for what promises to be a critical election in the country’s history.
