Africa-Press – Namibia.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has announced that a by-election for the Outapi constituency will take place by the end of September 2025 — just weeks before the national regional and local authority elections scheduled for 26 November.
The announcement follows what the Commission described as “malicious and unfounded” allegations by Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader and Member of Parliament Job Amupanda concerning the upcoming by-election.
Amupanda, via his social media platforms, alleged: “Swapo and the ECN are holding behind-the-scenes meetings to strategise on how to violate the law.” His posts further implied electoral fraud and corruption.
In a firm response, the ECN dismissed the claims as “false, misleading, and intended to erode public trust.”
“These claims are completely baseless and represent a deliberate attempt to create confusion and mistrust in the Commission’s work,” the ECN stated.
The Outapi constituency seat became vacant on 1 July 2025 following the resignation of councillor Immanuel Shikongo, who has been appointed governor of Omusati region.
According to the ECN, and in line with Section 10(2) of the Regional Councils Act, 1992 (Act No. 22 of 1992), the vacancy was formally gazetted on 18 July 2025 in Government Gazette No. 8692.
“Section 10(3) of the same Act requires that a by-election be held within three months of a seat becoming vacant, unless the vacancy occurs within three months of the end of the council’s term. As the next elections are scheduled for late November, the ECN is legally required to conduct the by-election before the end of September,” the Commission explained.
The ECN maintained that its handling of the Outapi by-election has been transparent, lawful, and inclusive.
“At no point did the Commission decide against proceeding with the by-election,” the ECN emphasised. “All options — including legal, logistical, and administrative implications — were openly discussed in good faith. The Commission committed to further analysing the proposals and providing a final decision to all stakeholders.”
Following the declaration of the vacancy, the ECN said it immediately began preparations, including drafting an election timetable and convening a Political Parties Liaison Committee (PLC) meeting on 14 July 2025 at Election House in Windhoek.
“The meeting was attended by representatives of all registered political parties, including the Affirmative Repositioning movement, whose delegate actively participated in the discussions,” the Commission noted.
Contrary to the allegations, the ECN reiterated that it has never resolved to delay or cancel the by-election, stressing that the process remains in accordance with the law and that all stakeholders were consulted.
The Commission also underscored its constitutional mandate under Section 4 of the Electoral Act, 2014 (Act No. 5 of 2014), which empowers it to direct, supervise, and control the conduct of all elections and referenda in Namibia.
“We operate without fear, favour, or prejudice. We urge political leaders and the public to rely on verified information and not be misled by politically motivated disinformation. Attempts to discredit the electoral process for personal or partisan gain threaten the integrity of our democracy,” the ECN said.
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