Windhoek: The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has confirmed that several logistical discrepancies were detected in ballot paper consignments ahead of the regional councils and local authorities elections scheduled for 26 November.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the discrepancies were discovered during the final stages of internal distribution, verification, and quality control at the ECN logistics store in Windhoek, where political party representatives were present. Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer Peter Shaama stated that ballot papers had been allocated and packed for all constituencies and local authorities, but some discrepancies were detected before the remaining materials were dispatched.
Shaama attributed the discrepancies to UniPrint Global, the South African company responsible for printing the ballot papers. These issues included under-allocation and over-allocation of ballot papers to certain polling stations, as well as duplicate ballot papers for both regional council and local authority elections. The affected regions include Kavango West, Ohangwena, Khomas, Omusati, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Kunene, and Erongo.
Shaama noted that regions such as Zambezi, Kavango East, Omaheke, Hardap, //Kharas, and Oshana, which were not affected by the discrepancies, have already received their sensitive election materials under police escort. He emphasized that the issues were detected despite distribution schedules indicating the actual quantities required, and political party representatives were informed about the discrepancies during the verification and distribution process.
In response to the situation, ECN has engaged UniPrint Global, demanding a full report, corrective measures, and confirmation of production timelines to ensure all corrections are completed before the deployment of polling teams on 23 November. Shaama highlighted the urgency of the matter, directing the Durban-based supplier to deliver the rectified ballot paper quantities by 19 November.
UniPrint has committed to delivering the corrected materials at its own cost on 18 November at the Hosea Kutako International Airport. Upon arrival, the verification and packing of the corrected ballot papers will begin immediately, again in the presence of political party representatives. This will be followed by dispatch to the remaining affected regions to ensure all materials are in place ahead of special voting on 24 November and the main vote on 26 November.
Shaama also confirmed that all duplicate and excess ballot books have been sealed in ballot boxes, with party representatives affixing their seals. These will remain secured until a disposal date is determined in consultation with the party liaison committee.