Swakopmund: The Erongo Region’s Namibian Police Force Commander, Commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona, has assured residents of comprehensive preparations to ensure the upcoming elections are conducted peacefully and efficiently. Namibians go to the polls on Wednesday for the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Kupembona highlighted the force’s readiness to maintain law and order in alignment with its constitutional mandate. The commissioner confirmed the deployment of 282 police officers to cover 141 polling stations across the region, with additional senior officers tasked with supervising operations and responding swiftly to any incidents.
‘A Regional Joint Operation Centre has also been established, bringing together security clusters, including the Namibian Defence Force, to manage potential challenges collaboratively,’ he expressed.
On resources, the commissioner acknowledged limitations, particularly regarding vehicles, but emphasised that all available resour
ces had been mobilised for election day. ‘We are happy with our deployment and confident we will cover all corners of the region,’ Kupembona stated.
The Erongo police chief praised the effective coordination between the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) and law enforcement, citing joint training and communication efforts to equip officers with the necessary skills for the elections.
Regarding public trust, the commissioner pointed to the peaceful conduct during the special voting process for security clusters and electoral officials as evidence of positive relations between the police and the community, expressing hope for continued collaboration during the elections. Kupembona also emphasised that measures are in place to address voter intimidation and ensure the integrity of the elections.
‘Each polling station will have police officers present, and we have teams of investigators ready to respond to any reports of intimidation or policy violations,’ he assured.
The public was also urged to prioritis
e safety and maintain decorum while voting, while shebeen owners were reminded to adhere to laws governing alcohol sales on the declared public holiday, as intoxication could impede voters’ ability to make informed decisions.
The commissioner concluded by encouraging residents to exercise patience, avoid confrontations, and contribute to peaceful elections. ‘We anticipate a calm and dignified voting process as everyone exercises their democratic right,’ he said.