Windhoek: The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has reiterated its commitment to reach out to all eligible voters through its civic and voter education campaign ahead of the regional councils and local authorities elections in November. ECN's Deputy Director for Voter and Civic Education, Marilyn Kazetjikuria, stated on Friday that the electoral commission is implementing a multi-platform strategy aimed at increasing voter turnout on the election day.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Kazetjikuria outlined a comprehensive outreach plan during the launch of the provisional voters' register in Windhoek. The plan, which began on 24 June, will run until 23 November, three days before the general elections scheduled for 26 November.

Kazetjikuria mentioned that the campaign aims to boost voter turnout, especially among youth aged 18 to 34, who form the largest demographic of registered voters, including people living with disabilities and people in remote areas.

The campaign employs multi-platform strategies, including radio, television, and print, as well as digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, and community outreach. Materials are translated into all languages and accessible formats such as braille and sign language to improve voter turnout, which stood at 33 percent for regional and 39 percent for local elections in 2020.

Kazetjikuria further noted that strategic collaborations with political parties, civil society organisations, and faith-based groups are central to the campaign's success. Youth ambassadors are deployed across all 14 regions, and campus outreach events are underway in partnership with universities and vocational centres.

ECN is also engaging marginalised communities and setting up a toll-free call centre for election-related questions. The campaign theme is 'Enhancing Confidence and Trust in Electoral Processes,' with the slogan 'Get involved, put your voice in the box,' encouraging citizens to vote.