Windhoek: Numerous voters in the Windhoek Rural Constituency expressed a desire for change and progress in local governance, urging the incoming political leaders to prioritize the needs of the community.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Nampa on Wednesday spoke to Dordabis residents Raphael Awaseb, Richard Shimbo, and Sarah Naubes about the Regional Councils and Local Authorities Elections and what they expect from the eventual victors. Awaseb said he cast his vote but expressed disappointment with what he described as a lack of development under the previous councillor. 'At least there must be change. Every year around this time politicians come to us, we move from one party to another, and they give us attention. But afterwards they forget about us. These promises should stop, it's disappointing,' he said.

Shimbo, also a resident of Dordabis, said he is unhappy with the government, noting that despite voting every year, he has seen no improvement. 'I grew up voting and nothing changes. We need change. I'm a mechanic by profession, but I don't have money to study at VTC like employed people. I'm just hustling, voting all the time, but afterwards there is no change. We need change here,' he said.

Naubes shared similar concerns, saying this was her second time voting but she remains unemployed and hopes her vote will contribute to creating job opportunities for the youth. 'This is my second time voting and I always vote for the same party. I'm an unemployed youth in Dordabis and I hope that the new or returning leadership will assist us,' Naubes said.

Although there are six candidates on the ballot, voter turnout was low when Nampa visited the polling stations that include Dordabis, the University of Namibia's Neudamm Campus, and the Hosea Kutako International Airport. Presiding officers at the polling centers informed Nampa that all polling stations opened on time at 07h00, but only a few people had arrived in the morning and that in the afternoon, most polling stations were still empty. The Electoral Commission of Namibia officials, however, expressed hope that registered voters would come out as the day progressed.

Competing for leadership in the Windhoek Rural constituency for the next five years are incumbent councillor Piet Petrus Adams from the Landless People's Movement, Willem Gariseb from the Swapo party, independent candidate Wendyll Sanga Boois; Cecil Clive Titus from the Popular Democratic Movement, Walter Haseb from the Independent Patriots for Change, and Johannes Eiseb from the United Democratic Front.