By Mary Mashete and Kimmie Mikatazo

A comprehensive Supplementary Registration of Voters (SRV) campaign in preparations for the Regional and Local Authority elections, is currently underway in Zambezi Region, running from August 4 – 19, 2025.

The initiative aims to engage first-time voters, particularly the youth who have recently turned 18 years of age, individuals who need to update their voter’s cards details, relocated residents, and individuals with lost or damaged voters ‘cards.

This effort is part of a broader Civic and Voter Education Awareness Campaign spearheaded by the ECN’s Regional Electoral Officials in the region.

Speaking during the stakeholders meeting held in Katima Mulilo on Monday, Mr. Sammy Muhau, Regional Voter Education Officer, said the programme was officially launched in Windhoek in June, and has already begun the community outreach.

Six ambassadors and five voter education officers, divided into three teams, are carrying out face-to-face sessions countrywide.

Mr. Muhau emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that “The campaign provides crucial opportunities for eligible citizens to register, correct errors such as mis-spelled names, or replace lost voters’ cards.”

He highlighted that special attention is being given to those who have changed their residential addresses, and ensuring that all voters are accurately represented.

The SRV campaign has kicked off in rural areas, including Katima Rural, Kabbe North, and Sibbinda, featuring face-to-face voter education efforts. “Voters are allowed to vote anywhere in Namibia, but for registration purposes, they must do so in their Constituencies,” Mr. Muhau clarified.

Mr. Rosco Kawana, the Regional Supervisor for Katima Urban, outlined the legal requirements for voter registration saying registrants must present valid identification and proof of residence, such as electricity and water bills. For those without utility bills, a declaration may be submitted. It is important to note that only residents of the local community are eligible to register.

To facilitate the registration process, a total of 220 gazetted registration points has been established across Katima Mulilo, including local schools. The first registration point is located in the Judea Lyabboloma Constituency, ensuring accessibility for all eligible voters.

Supervisor Mr. Sydney Imwaka, confirmed that training sessions for registration officials are being conducted across three constituencies. Registration in Katima Urban will be available at the Ngweze Community Hall, Tobias Hainyeko School, and the Old Legislative Hall.

A total of 148 registration officials are scheduled to participate in the training sessions taking place from July 14 to July 22, 2025.

The deployment of registration teams will span three days, beginning August 1 and concluding August 3. To reach remote constituencies such as Kabbe North, helicopters and vehicles will be utilized, as noted by Mr. Mtazo Libetso, Supervisor of Linyanti.

The ECN has gazetted all registration points, including the teams, dates, and venues where registration will occur. Ms. Mambo Simataa, who addressed the stakeholders on this matter, stated that all locations have been strategically selected to ensure maximum accessibility.

Supervisor Mr. Hilary Muleta outlined that each registration venue is designed for efficiency and transparency, featuring informative banners and posters. Each venue will include two main tables—one for manual data entry by officials and another for digital data capture by operators. A team leader will oversee the registration process at each site to ensure smooth operations.

Demobilization efforts will be coordinated by Ms. Mwaka Simasiku of the Katima Mulilo Local Authority, with special attention given to the return of teams operating in helicopter-accessed areas. All equipment will be returned to the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) following the campaign’s conclusion.

She added that all equipment will be retrieved, verified, and recorded through a standard inventory and verification process.

As the SRV campaign progresses, officials are optimistic about the increasing of voter participation and ensuring that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to make their voice heard in the upcoming elections.

The ECN continues to emphasize inclusive, with a call from stakeholders to ensure that people with disabilities have full access to all registration points.

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