As Namibia gears up for the 2025 Regional Councils and Local Authorities elections scheduled for 26 November, the Electoral Commission has provided a comprehensive update on progress achieved so far.
The election preparations have followed the timelines set out in the 2025 Electoral Calendar. A key milestone was the completion of the Supplementary Registration of Voters (SRV) from 4 to 19 August 2025. During this period, 1,499,449 voters were registered across 121 constituencies, including 752,043 voters registered in 59 local authorities. To maintain the integrity of the voters’ roll, the Commission utilized the Automated Fingerprint Information System (AFIS) to ensure each voter was registered only once.
Following the registration phase, the Provisional Voters Register (PVR) was displayed from 12 to 15 September 2025, listing 1,499,235 registered voters. The Final Voters Register (FVR), containing 1,499,449 voters, was released on 24 October as planned. This register will guide both the Special Voting on 24 November for polling officials and Namibian Police members voting outside their constituencies, as well as the main election day on 26 November in 120 constituencies and all 59 local authorities.
A closer look at the voter statistics reveals a total eligible voter population of 1,670,813, with the final register comprising 691,080 male voters and 808,419 female voters. Youth voters number 643,117, while persons with disabilities (PWDs) total 22,245.
The nomination phase commenced on 26 September and concluded on 14 October for independent candidates, while party nominations closed on 16 October. To ensure accuracy, the Commission extended a public sitting until 11:00 AM on the last day of nominations, allowing stakeholders to correct any errors in submitted nominations.
The finalized list shows that 120 out of 121 constituencies will be contested by various political parties, organizations, and independent candidates, while Mankumpi Constituency remains uncontested. All 59 local authorities will see contests among political parties and organizations.
The Commission also addressed an error regarding a candidate announcement in Nkurenkuru Constituency through an Electoral Court self-review application. The court’s decision, granted on 24 October, allowed the inclusion of a candidate whose nomination had been timely submitted but previously omitted.
Operational preparations have progressed well, with sample ballot papers produced and verified between 21 and 23 October. In the lead-up to election day, various critical activities are scheduled, including the printing and packing of ballot papers from 24 October to 2 November, gazetting of nominated candidates starting 27 October, ongoing accreditation of observers and media until 31 October, delivery of ballot papers on 3 November, distribution of election materials between 7 and 17 November, polling officials’ training from 7 to 15 November, issuance of duplicate voter cards between 17 and 23 November, and deployment of polling teams from 23 to 25 November. Special voting for officials and the police will take place on 24 November.
The Commission continues to conduct voter education campaigns nationwide until 25 November and calls on all stakeholders to intensify these efforts to empower every registered voter to exercise their democratic right at the polls.
The Electoral Commission assures the public and stakeholders of its unwavering commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent, and credible elections. It encourages all Namibians to contribute to a peaceful and democratic electoral process and thanks the public for their ongoing support and participation.
