Africa-Press – Namibia.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has registered four new community-based associations ahead of this year’s regional and local authority elections.
The commission is now calling for public objections to the registration of these associations.
The objection period, which commenced on 11 September, will run until 11 October 2025.
“All objections must be submitted to the Office of the chief electoral and referenda officer,” ECN CEO Peter Shaama said in a statement.
He confirmed the registration of the Association for Localised Interest from Swakopmund, the Walvis Bay Community Association, the Outjo Residents Association as well as the Grootfontein Rates and Taxpayers Association.
These newly registered associations have indicated their intention to contest in the November regional and local authority elections.
“These organisations have met the requirements as stipulated under Section 148 (7) and (8) of the Electoral Act, No. 5 of 2014, as amended,” said Shaama.
The registration of these organisations has now been gazetted in Government Gazette No. 8735.
Independent candidate nominations
Meanwhile, the commission has officially opened the nomination process for independent candidates.
However, Shaama said that the portal will only go live from 26 September 2025.
It will close on 14 October 2025 at 16h00.
No submissions can be made prior to the opening or after the closing date.
“We urge candidates to prepare their documentation early to avoid last-minute complications,” he said.
Nominations must be submitted through the ECN’s Political Party and Candidate Management (PPCM) portal at https://ppcm.ecn.na.
All candidates are urged to register with the commission to obtain login credentials.
To assist with the process, Shaama said the ECN has established a dedicated help desk at its head office.
“We are committed to providing technical support to ensure smooth submissions,” he stated.
He reminded prospective candidates that strict legal requirements apply.
Article 17(2) of the Constitution stipulates that a candidate must be at least 21 years old and ordinarily a resident in the constituency, or take up residence within three months of the election, as provided under the Regional Councils Act.
In addition, each candidate must secure the support of at least 150 registered voters in the constituency.
Their details must be uploaded onto the portal, while original documents must be filed with the returning officer.
Supporters may not endorse more than one candidate in the same election.
“All nominations must comply fully with the Electoral Act and related regulations,” the ECN warned.
“Failure to do so may result in disqualification. We have a legal duty to apply these requirements fairly and uniformly,” Shaama stressed.
ECN said 1 499 235 Namibians have registered to vote, representing 90% of eligible voters.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
