ECN recruits 845 officials for the by-election
Justicia Shipena
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has recruited 845 polling officials for the upcoming by-election in five constituencies.
The by-election is scheduled for next week in Grootfontein, Kabbe South, Kamanjab, Otjiwarongo, and Sesfontein.
The ECN announced the recruitment on Tuesday, along with the start of training for the selected officials.
ECN corporate communications and marketing manager De Wet Siluka said the five-day training sessions began on Monday.
The training is taking place in Grootfontein, Katima Mulilo (for Kabbe South), Kamanjab, Otjiwarongo, and Opuwo (for Sesfontein).
Siluka said the training will end on 14 June and covers electoral laws and regulations, the duties of election officials, and the completion of electoral forms.
It also includes voter assistance and engagement, use of voter verification devices, polling station layout, voting procedures, and logistics.
The selected officials will be trained in closing of polls, vote counting, result transmission, conflict resolution, and handling electoral challenges.
He said section 65 of the Electoral Act 5 of 2014 gives the ECN the power to recruit polling officers. Siluka noted that the officials were selected from the 2024 recruitment database.
“The training is being conducted by experienced facilitators from the Commission under the supervision of Management, ensuring that all polling officials are prepared to effectively carry out their duties on Election Day,” Siluka said.
The ECN said training polling officials is a key step in preparing for the by-election.
“The training is part of our commitment to ensuring fair, transparent, and efficient electoral processes; the training of polling officials is a vital step in preparing for the upcoming by-election. These officials will be instrumental in facilitating a smooth voting experience for all eligible voters.”
The Commission encouraged eligible voters in the five constituencies to take part in the upcoming by-election.
