Otjiwarongo: The Otjozondjupa police have issued a call for safe and peaceful political campaign rallies this weekend in Otjiwarongo, where various political parties plan to hold their final campaign events ahead of the Regional Councils and Local Authorities elections scheduled for Wednesday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Otjozondjupa Regional Police Commander, Commissioner Philip Hidengwa, along with his crime prevention deputy commissioner, Theophelus Iipinge, and Chief of Operations, Paulus Shapaka, conducted an information-sharing meeting with political party leaders at the Otjiwarongo Police Station on Wednesday. The meeting aimed to ensure that political activities proceed without incident.

Hidengwa, who chaired the meeting, stressed the necessity for political parties to inform the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) of their intended campaign activities, such as rallies, door-to-door campaigns, and street processions. This is particularly important when gatherings involve more than 20 political party members to prevent potential clashes with rival groups and to ensure public safety.

Leaders from several political parties, including the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), Landless People's Movement (LPM), Swapo, National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo), Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), United Democratic Front (UDF), and Republican Party (RP), were present at the meeting. They expressed their appreciation for the police's guidance and committed to following the recommended protocols.

The political leaders outlined their plans for final campaign rallies and street processions on the upcoming Saturday and Sunday in Otjiwarongo, ahead of the voting day on 26 November 2025. Representatives from Swapo, IPC, PDM, and LPM communicated their intentions to hold substantial rallies during the weekend, and they requested security services from NamPol to ensure safety.

Hidengwa advised the political parties to submit their applications for police protection services by Friday. This would enable his office to effectively coordinate which party will be using specific public spaces and streets, thereby reducing the risk of clashes and minimizing disruptions for other road users.