Africa-Press – Namibia. The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has awarded a N$4.9 million tender to print ballot papers for the country’s regional councils and local authorities’ elections to South African-based company Uniprint Global.
The elections, slated for 26 November 2025, will see Uniprint Global print and deliver a total of 1,817,100 ballot papers for regional councils’ elections and an amount of 912,700 ballot papers in respect of the local authorities’ elections.
The bidding process for the highly lucrative tender was competitive and tightly contested amongst bidders, led by E7 Group United Printing who tendered to print and deliver all ballot papers at the cost of N$8,385,610.20, while another bidder Shave & Gibson offered ECN to print and deliver the ballot papers for N$6,073,483.89.
Ren-Form CC tendered a total of N$6,528,320.50 to print and deliver the ballot papers, while Uniprint Global, who were chosen as the successful bidder, offered to print and deliver all ballot papers for N$4,899,530.00, including delivery flight cost.
The ECN had initially budgeted N$8,9 million for the printing of ballot papers. Uniprint Global is a South African company based in Durban, with its parent factory in Johannesburg, South Africa, where printing will be undertaken.
ECN’s Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer, Peter Shaama, yesterday explained that the production of the ballot papers is expected to start on 22 October and finalised on 31 October, with delivery of all ballot papers expected to arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport between 01- 02 November.
“In terms of quality assurance, over the years the Commission has established stringent criteria to ensure the quality and security of the ballot papers. This includes specifications for paper quality, printing security features, and adherence to international best practices to prevent electoral fraud. The Commission values collaboration with all its stakeholders and the public. The Commission on 03 July, briefed Political Party Liaison Committee (PLC) members on the commencement of bidding process as part of Commission’s commitment towards ensuring transparency and engagement,” he shared.
Equally, on 03 September 2025, Shaama said, the Commission briefed PLC members on the progress made on the process of procurement of ballot papers and further informed PLC members that, unlike last year where the Commission carried the costs for the travel, they will have to carry their own accommodation and meals expenses to observe the production process.
“For purposes of these elections, the opportunity is granted to all contestants to observe the production process albeit at their own cost. We further wish to record that on 14 October 2025; the Commission updated the PLC members on the progress in respect of the logistical arrangements associated with the printing of ballot papers. The Commission wishes to assure all stakeholders and the public that it will continue to provide updates throughout this electoral process.”
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