WINDHOEK — Following the recent presidential elections in Venezuela, Erginus Endjala, head of the Namibian Observer Mission to Venezuela, has advocated for the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) to adopt similar electronic voting methods. Endjala’s recommendation comes after observing the electoral process that led to the re-election of Nicolás Maduro on July 28, 2024.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Venezuelan election was conducted in a calm, organized, free, and fair manner, with Maduro securing 51% of the vote against opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez’s 44%. He highlighted the use of electronic voting systems in Venezuela, where voters select their preferred candidate via a machine, and the vote is confirmed through a paper receipt that is then deposited into a ballot box. This system, he noted, allows for a swift and heavily audited voting process.

Endjala suggested that if the ECN could collaborate with the Venezuelan election commission to acquire this technology, it could enhance the speed and accuracy of elections in Namibia. He praised the efficiency of the one-day voting process in Venezuela, where results are compiled immediately after voting concludes.

The observer mission also emphasized the active participation of young voters in Venezuela, which member Willem Amutenya noted should serve as an inspiration to Namibia’s youth. Amutenya, a Swapo Party Youth League Committee member, praised Venezuelan youth for their engagement and urged young Namibians to take a more active role in their country’s democracy.

Endjala also took the opportunity to encourage all eligible Namibians to register and vote in their upcoming elections on November 27, to exercise their democratic rights fully.