Windhoek: The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has acknowledged the low voter turnout for the 2025 Regional Councils and Local Authorities Elections, urging the public to await the final results despite initial observations.

According to Namibia Press Agency, ECN Chairperson Elsie Nghikembua addressed the media, stating that voting concluded at 21h00. All voters who were in the queue at the closing time were allowed to cast their ballots in accordance with Section 93(3) of the Electoral Act. Nghikembua noted that the voter turnout was below expectations.

"From what we have seen so far, the voter turnout could be lower than the previous Regional Councils and Local Authorities Elections, but we will wait for the official numbers to come out," said Nghikembua.

ECN Commissioner Pius Iikwambi responded to a stakeholder's question, highlighting that the current law only accommodates special voting for polling officials working outside their constituencies and police officers stationed at polling sites on election day. Iikwambi suggested revisiting the law to enhance inclusivity.

Nghikembua also urged party agents and candidate representatives to remain at polling stations during the counting and results announcements to ensure transparency. The ECN expressed gratitude to voters for maintaining peace and calm during the process and called for continued cooperation during the counting and results declaration phase.