Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) on Tuesday concluded a training workshop for polling officials ahead of the Ncamagoro Constituency by-election on Friday.
The by-election follows the death of Swapo councillor and member of the National Council, Johannes Kahonzo Sikondo, in September. About 114 election officials were trained, including returning, presiding and polling officials, making up 19 teams that will oversee seven fixed stations and 37 mobile polling stations, while 39 vehicles will be used to carry out the elections.
The commission conducted supplementary registration of voters from 12 to 14 October, while the final voters’ registration process was done on 22 November, with a total of 3 818 registered voters.
The ECN’s chairperson, Elsie Nghikembua, speaking during the official closing of the workshop, said the commission is ready and well-prepared to conduct the by-election according to the elections calendar.
The elections calendar is a document that outlines select activities and timelines that are critical for the preparation and successful execution of various tasks and responsibilities by various stakeholders.
In order to ensure the delivery of free, fair and credible elections, Nghikembua called on the officials to serve the residents of the Ncamagoro Constituency, as per the commission’s mandate.
“As we mark the end of the week-long training, I further wish to commend you all for having heeded the call by committing to serve the residents of Ncamagoro, and by extension the entire country. As a commission, our mandate, wherever it is being executed, is inextricably linked to the destiny and future of our country,” she said.
As officials appointed by the ECN, Nghikembua said she is certain that they were informed of the commission’s mandate, which is to hold by-elections in order to fill a vacant position created in any constituency within three months. The role of polling officials is to assist the ECN to fulfill this mandate, Nghikembua added. She urged all officials to carry out their responsibilities with integrity, impartiality, transparency, fairness, commitment and professionalism.
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