Africa-Press – Namibia. The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has confirmed that only two political parties will contest the upcoming by-election for the Outapi constituency, scheduled for 29 September 2025 — just a month before the national regional and local authority elections set for 26
November 2025.
Although Namibia currently has 25 registered political parties and 18 associations/organisations listed with the ECN, the Outapi contest will be a direct showdown between Swapo Party candidate Selma Nelao Nakambale Asino and Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) candidate Fillemon Shikwambi.
“In accordance with Section 82(1), and subject to Section 80 of the Electoral Act No. 5 of 2014 (as amended), the Commission announces the following candidates as duly nominated to contest the abovementioned constituency by-election on 29 September 2025.
This announcement follows the close of the nomination period on 20 August 2025 and a public sitting held at Outapi Constituency from 09h00 to 11h00,” the ECN said in a
statement.
The Outapi seat became vacant on 1 July 2025 following the resignation of councillor Immanuel Shikongo, who was then appointed governor of Omusati region. The vacancy was formally published in Government Gazette No. 8692 on 18 July 2025, in line with Section 10(2) of the Regional Councils Act, 1992 (Act No. 22 of 1992).
The ECN explained the legal requirement for the by-election: “Section 10(3) of the Act requires 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.”
Both parties have begun mobilising support ahead of the vote. Swapo has highlighted the experience and qualifications of Asino, with party members emphasising her extensive track record in local governance.
In an interview with New Era, Fransina Kahungu, secretary of the Swapo Party Women’s Council, described Asino as a seasoned leader. “She served for more than 10 years as an administrator for the Omusati League in the Swapo Party, and for over five years as a local authority councillor and mayor of Outapi town,” Kahungu said.
She added that as a product of the Swapo Party School, Asino has the knowledge and experience to lead both in local authority structures and the broader region. Asino also served as treasurer of the Swapo Party Women’s Council, where she mobilised funds for community projects, worked closely with regional councils, and engaged directly with the people. “She is a community activist with a deep understanding of local needs,” Kahungu added.
IPC, meanwhile, has underscored Shikwambi’s local experience. IPC regional secretary Matatias Nakweenda highlighted his credentials:
“Shikwambi, being a former councillor of the constituency on the Swapo ticket, has a thorough understanding of the issues facing Outapi constituency. This positions him as the right candidate to address the needs of the community and continue development initiatives,” Nakweenda maintained.
The ECN has assured voters that preparations for a free, fair, and transparent by-election are in place, including the deployment of polling staff and security measures. Residents of Outapi will cast their ballots at designated polling stations across the constituency.
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