Sem David
Huge props to Namibians who understood the need of maintaining electoral democracy and took the initiative to assert their constitutional right to participate in decision-making and advance democracy. Out of the 3 million eligible Namibians, 1,467,604 registered to vote. This seems like a strong indication that either most Namibians still do not understand their constitutional rights to democracy or that not enough has been done to compel and attract the interests of the majority to register.
Consider that it is insignificant compared to the 2.2 million youth in Namibia. It is easy to declare that people are not convinced, unwilling to engage in politics, or something else entirely, but have they been given enough information to understand? Are the current methods very compelling? Without a doubt, significant improvement is needed to prevent the decline in interest.
But, I would like to thank ECN for their commitment to making sure that this year’s general voter registration drive is a strong democratic process. The remarkable accomplishment of registering around 1,467,604 eligible voters demonstrates their dedication to diversity and civic engagement. ECN work is essential to creating an equitable and representative voting process. I appreciate all of their effort and commitment.
With consideration, I am reminded of the inadequate planning and setup of the data capturing center and display room for the previous elections held in Namibia. Everything appears to be done quickly or maybe strategically to get away with it for the benefit of others. The majority of Namibians always leave elections feeling let down.
In my opinion, a lot needs to be completed or prepared before the election on November 27 in order to guarantee transparency, ensure that the election is conducted properly, and prevent irregularities and allegations of vote rigging. I am unsure of the preparations the ECN has in place for the upcoming election, but I would like to see the auditorial room and data collection site set up properly so that everyone will be satisfied with the way their results are recorded, properly audited, and presented.
I have a few recommendations and suggestions that might be relevant to the electoral commission of Namibia (ECN) as proposals and additional takes on what they have in place. The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) must move quickly to guarantee a transparent, equitable, and effective electoral process as Namibia gets closer to its November 2024 general elections. Maintaining democracy and building public trust in election results depend heavily on the integrity of the electoral process. In order to accomplish this, I advise the Commission to take into account the following crucial points:
- Proper Auditorial Room Settings and Arrangements
One of the fundamental aspects of ensuring the integrity of the voting process is the setup of auditorial rooms. These rooms should be designed and arranged to facilitate the observation of vote verification by party agents and independent observers.
Ensuring that these observers have a clear line of sight to all activities within the auditorial rooms is paramount. This setup should include:
• Transparent Windows and Walls: Provide unhindered observation of actions by observers. Everything should be done in one room, and no hidden room for capturing data or verification done in some other places, out of the auditorial room.
• Enough Space: Make sure there is adequate space so that party agents and observers may work comfortably and not impede the election process.
• Clearly defined protocols: Provide observers with a set of guidelines to follow in order to preserve decorum and order throughout the auditing process.
- Observers and Party Agents Workshop
To enhance the effectiveness of observers and party agents, the ECN should organize comprehensive workshops prior to the elections. Looking at the ECN Calendar launched in March 2024, there is no room for observers and party agents workshop. These workshops should cover:
• Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly outline the expectations and duties of observers and party agents.
• Training on Electoral Processes: Provide education on the entire electoral process, including vote casting, counting, and auditing.
• Addressing Concerns: Create a forum for participants to voice concerns or questions regarding the electoral process, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.
- Party Inductions on the Election Data Process
Political parties must comprehend the election data process in its entirety. All parties involved should attend induction workshops hosted by the ECN, which should cover the following:
• Detailed Explanation of Data Handling: To guarantee transparency, give a comprehensive rundown of the procedures used to gather, handle, and preserve election data.
• Access to Related Data: Permit interested parties to seek information regarding the data processing procedure and any supporting documents they think is required to comprehend the vote validation and counting process.
- Consolidation of Proper Transportation Data Security
Voter integrity depends on the security of transportation-related data used in the electoral process. The ECN needs to set up strong protocols that cover the following topics:
• Secure Transport Protocols: Strict tracking and accountability are ensured throughout the voting box transportation procedure by using secure vehicles and reliable staff.
• Transparency in Data Handling: Put in place real-time tracking tools that make the flow of electoral materials transparent.
• Voter Education Campaigns: To increase voter faith in the election system, run public education campaigns informing voters of the security mechanisms in place.
As Namibia prepares for its national elections, it is essential for the Electoral Commission to address these critical areas to foster a comprehensive, transparent, and credible electoral environment. By implementing these recommendations, the ECN can significantly contribute to strengthening public confidence in the electoral process and ultimately uphold the democratic values on which Namibia stands. With concerted efforts, November 2024 can indeed mark a significant milestone in the nation’s democratic journey.
Sem David is a you youth and community leader in the Khomas region and can be reached at Tel: +264 81 635 2554 / +264 81 281 1318
Email: semmydmd@gmail.com
