Africa-Press – Namibia. Paulus Sifire, Electoral Commission of Namibia’s (ECN) Kavango East regional electoral officer, urged police officers, party agents and ECN staff to respect voters in the upcoming 2025 Regional Councils and Local Authorities Elections, scheduled for 26 November.
He said voters such as the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities must be treated with respect and dignity.“They must be assisted first with dignity and care. Every voter deserves respect, for they are the reason we are here,’’ he said. The ECN on Wednesday conducted a one-day training session for police officers and party agents in Rundu ahead of the upcoming elections.
Before the voting process commences, the commission trains police officers, as well as election and counting agents, on their roles and the election procedures.“This training session marks a very critical stage in our electoral process. It is through sessions such as this that we strengthen the integrity, transparency, and credibility of our elections. The purpose of today’s gathering is to remind and equip each one of you with a clear understanding of your duties and responsibilities, whether as election agents, police officers, or presiding officers, before, during, and after polling,’’ Sifire noted.
Sifire further emphasised that elections are not a battleground, but rather a democratic process for citizens to voice their will. “Namibia is the only country we have; let us safeguard it through discipline, professionalism, and respect for the rule of law and the Electoral Act,’’ he noted. Election agents were reminded about their role, which is to represent their parties, candidates, organizations, or associations to observe the process and ensure fairness, “Not to interfere, but to report and record. Should any disagreement arise between you and the presiding officer, or should you wish to note any important activity, please make proper use of the Occurrence Book.’’
“This document remains an official record of events at the polling station and must be handled responsibly. Police officers, you serve as custodians of order and security. Your duty is to maintain peace, protect electoral materials, and ensure the safety of all stakeholders — without fear or favour. Your neutrality and discipline are what uphold public trust in the process,’’ he said.The presiding officer leads the polling station and ensures the process runs smoothly in accordance with the law. Election agents observe; police officers maintain order; and presiding officers administer. Sifire said that when each plays their role with professionalism and mutual respect, the election proceeds efficiently and peacefully.
“Colleagues, let us uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and teamwork. Let this training empower us with the knowledge and confidence to execute our duties effectively during polling, at the closing of polls, and throughout the counting process. As we approach election day, let our actions reflect integrity, patience, and unity. Let us remember we may belong to different parties, but we all belong to one Namibia,’’ he noted.
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