WINDHOEK— The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has officially denied allegations from the Landless People's Movement (LPM) claiming that incarcerated individuals are being excluded from the ongoing General Registration of Voters (GRV). The LPM had raised concerns on Monday about the potential disenfranchisement of inmates in the upcoming elections.

According to Namibia Press Agency, thorough preparations for the 2024 GRV included consultations with correctional facilities to ensure inmates could register. The commission emphasized that registration points have been established at correctional facilities and police holding cells nationwide, aligning with legal mandates under section 22(4) of the Electoral Act No. 5 of 2014, as amended.

The ECN further detailed its efforts to provide comprehensive voter registration coverage, noting that most correctional facilities have already been visited, with remaining locations scheduled per the registration plan. Additionally, the commission deployed 20 extra teams during the fourth week of GRV to enhance access to registration in areas previously not covered adequately, including several correctional facilities.

The commission encouraged all electoral stakeholders to use established communication channels for raising concerns and suggested that misinformation could undermine the electoral process. It reiterated its openness to suggestions for additional registration sites and its commitment to facilitating the registration of all eligible Namibians.