Ohangwena: Former Governor of the Ohangwena Region, Usko Nghaamwa, has expressed disappointment with the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) for not making provision for shade for voters, especially for the elderly. Nghaamwa, shortly after casting his vote in the Regional Councils and Local Authorities elections at the Ohangwena constituency office polling station on Wednesday, told Nampa that he observed that the majority of voters are pensioners who are standing in long queues in the sun.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Nghaamwa mentioned that he arrived at the polling station early in the morning and noticed that most voters are pensioners. He emphasized the need for the ECN to provide tents or shade as many of these individuals are old and sickly, with some suffering from chronic illnesses like diabetes, and are now standing in the heat.

In response, ECN Spokesperson, De Wet Siluka, stated that the responsibility to provide shade lies entirely with the electorate. He explained that the ECN focuses on accessibility, location, and ensuring polling stations are within the constituency. Siluka added that tents are provided only for their staff and materials in case of rain or other natural disasters.