Namibians turn out early as Regional and Local Authority Elections get underway nationwide

Namibians across the country braved the early-morning on Wednesday as polling stations opened for the Regional Council and Local Authority Elections, with queues forming long before sunrise in several towns.

In Walvis Bay, residents armed with blankets and flasks of coffee camped outside polling stations overnight to secure an early place in line. Presiding officers there reported high enthusiasm and urged those still unsure to come out and vote.

At Windhoek’s Dagbreek Special School, voting began smoothly, with chairs arranged for both ordinary voters and pensioners. Reporter Ritta Lotto noted that dozens of voters were already in queue before the doors opened.

At Emma Hoogenhout Primary School in Windhoek West, Elton Black was among the first to arrive after waking up at 03:30 to “lead by example” and encourage young people to participate. Nearby at the Katutura East Constituency, presiding officer Junias Mwapopi confirmed that polling opened on time at 07h00, with around 20 people queued and no challenges experienced so far.

In the Zambezi Region, One Africa TV’s News on One team found senior citizens lining up early at the Mavuluma Combined School polling station in Katima Mulilo. Presiding officer David Lushu reported a calm and orderly start to the process, while voter Mr. Likando, who arrived around 06h00, said he was determined to cast his vote without delay.

Further north in Ondangwa Urban, the Andimba Toivo ya Toivo polling station experienced minor delays after some political party agents arrived late. Presiding officer Gotrieb Dennis told reporter Maria Namupala that despite this, voting was progressing smoothly.

A Countrywide Process Anchored in the Constitution

Namibia’s regional and local elections determine representatives across the country’s 14 regions and dozens of local authorities — including municipalities, towns, and village councils.

Under Articles 102–111 of the Namibian Constitution, the nation is divided into regions and local authority areas, with boundaries set by a Delimitation Commission. Each region has between six and twelve constituencies, each electing one regional councillor by secret ballot.

Local authority councils, elected every five years through party lists, manage essential services such as water supply, sanitation, and local development. Regional councils, meanwhile, elect members to the National Council and work with central government to drive regional development plans.

Peaceful Start, Strong Participation

Across the country — from Windhoek to Walvis Bay, Katima Mulilo to Ondangwa — presiding officers reported a peaceful and orderly start to the polls. Turnout remained strong throughout the morning, with many Namibians emphasising their desire to shape the future of their communities.

Officials and community leaders have continued to urge all eligible voters to exercise their democratic right, ensuring representation at every level of government — local, regional, and national.