Kunene: The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) in the Kunene Region faces a significant challenge as it extends the vehicle registration and testing process due to a backlog of over 100 vehicles needed for the upcoming Regional Councils and Local Authorities elections. The commission is actively seeking additional vehicles to ensure comprehensive election coverage.
According to Namibia Press Agency, ECN election officer in Kunene, Mike Nganjone, revealed that the commission requires more vehicles specifically for Kunene north and has extended the vehicle collection period from 10 to 14 November 2025. The ECN has so far gathered 200 vehicles but requires a total of 351, leaving a shortfall of 151 vehicles.
Nganjone highlighted the need for additional vehicles in areas such as Epupa, Opuwo Rural, Opuwo Urban, and the Sesfontein constituencies. He urged vehicle owners to assist, noting that the commission has relaxed the 10-year car rule, allowing more vehicles to be used, provided they pass necessary tests. Only single and double cab bakkies, SUVs, and minibuses will be accepted, with a requirement for bakkies to have canopies. Vehicles without insurance can also be included.
The training of polling officials is reportedly progressing smoothly across three locations. The Khorixas Community Hall is accommodating officials from Outjo, Khorixas, and Kamanjab, while training for Opuwo Rural and Urban is at the Opuwo Open Market, and Opuwo Primary School serves as the venue for Sesfontein and Epupa officials.
A total of 1,184 polling officials will serve the Kunene Region, organized into 190 teams. The allocation includes 49 teams for the Epupa Constituency, 18 for Kamanjab, 24 for Khorixas, 32 for Opuwo Rural, 20 for Opuwo Urban, 21 for Outjo, and 26 for Sesfontein. Additionally, the commission will deploy a helicopter to access hard-to-reach areas in the Epupa Constituency, ensuring coverage of remote locations.
The region is preparing for a voter turnout of 61,657 for the regional council elections and 23,903 for the local authority elections scheduled for 26 November 2025.