WINDHOEK: The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has praised the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) for the remarkable accomplishment of registering 91 per cent of eligible voters throughout the country.
‘We are aware that the process was not without its challenges and we applaud the ECN for seeing it through, for being responsive to queries, and for responding to challenges encountered and brought to their attention swiftly,’ IPC national secretary general Christine Aochamus said on Wednesday.
Speaking during a press briefing, Aochamus noted that this year’s general registration of voters (GRV), which was conducted from 03 June to 01 August, recorded 1 467 604 registered voters compared to 1 358 468 registered in 2019.
‘This represents an increase of approximately 109 136 voters in the 2024 registration process. This, to us, demonstrates a growth in voter engagement and participation,’ she said.
According to IPC, the high voter registration turnout is a clear indication that Namibians are eager to
have their voices heard and to shape the future of their country. ‘It is a testament to the strength of our democracy and the desire of our people to participate in the electoral process,’ said Aochamus.
The opposition IPC invested significantly in voter registration by launching the ‘Go out to Register Campaign’ from the start.
Meanwhile, the party called on the electoral commission to ensure that the upcoming elections will be free, fair, and transparent and that the will of the Namibian people will prevail.
‘As we earnestly push up a gear in election campaigning, we urge all political actors, including the media to abide by the code of conduct. We strongly condemn political intimidation, intentional misinformation, violence, sabotage, and propaganda,’ Aochamus said.
IPC is expected to participate in the Presidential and National Assembly elections on 27 November 2024, with party leader, Panduleni Itula, as the main candidate.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency