D-Day for political parties, candidates
Will independent candidates meet strict vetting criteria?
The ECN will convene tomorrow to consider nominations for presidential candidates as well as the country's aspirant parliamentarians.
Political campaigns are in full swing. Several independent candidates have thrown their candidacy into the presidential race as political actors look to convince over 1.4 million voters to vote for them during next month’s polls.
But before securing a spot on the ballot paper during the National Assembly and presidential polls, they will have to meet the Electoral Commission of Namibia’s (ECN) strict vetting procedures.
Independent candidates had until yesterday to submit their applications, with nomination day set for tomorrow.
“16 October 2024 has been set as the day on which the chairperson of the commission convenes a sitting for consideration of nominations for presidential candidates and members of the National Assembly from political parties and candidates as per the Act. This will be a final day of nominations, which will be convened through a public sitting at the ECN head office by the commission,” the ECN stated.
Registered political parties are required to submit a list of candidates in writing, containing the names, sex, voters’ registration numbers and residential addresses of not less than 32 but not more than 96 candidates.
Independent streak
As for independent candidates, their nomination should be accompanied by a receipt indicating that N$10 000 has been deposited with the state revenue fund by or on behalf of the candidate along with a list of 7 000 voters who support their nomination.
With more than five presidential aspirants having indicated that they will stand as independent candidates for the presidential elections, this year’s elections are expected to feature the most independent candidates ever.
Among those who have publicly stated their intention to stand as independent candidates are activist Rosa Namises, Lydia Kandetu from the Kunene Region, businesswoman Ally Angula and freelance journalist Frans Koolike.
Due to the added administrative resources required, ECN said to ensure efficiency, it established a dedicated helpdesk at its headquarters to assist all independent candidates and political parties intending to contest the 2024 national elections with the nomination process.
But before securing a spot on the ballot paper during the National Assembly and presidential polls, they will have to meet the Electoral Commission of Namibia’s (ECN) strict vetting procedures.
Independent candidates had until yesterday to submit their applications, with nomination day set for tomorrow.
“16 October 2024 has been set as the day on which the chairperson of the commission convenes a sitting for consideration of nominations for presidential candidates and members of the National Assembly from political parties and candidates as per the Act. This will be a final day of nominations, which will be convened through a public sitting at the ECN head office by the commission,” the ECN stated.
Registered political parties are required to submit a list of candidates in writing, containing the names, sex, voters’ registration numbers and residential addresses of not less than 32 but not more than 96 candidates.
Independent streak
As for independent candidates, their nomination should be accompanied by a receipt indicating that N$10 000 has been deposited with the state revenue fund by or on behalf of the candidate along with a list of 7 000 voters who support their nomination.
With more than five presidential aspirants having indicated that they will stand as independent candidates for the presidential elections, this year’s elections are expected to feature the most independent candidates ever.
Among those who have publicly stated their intention to stand as independent candidates are activist Rosa Namises, Lydia Kandetu from the Kunene Region, businesswoman Ally Angula and freelance journalist Frans Koolike.
Due to the added administrative resources required, ECN said to ensure efficiency, it established a dedicated helpdesk at its headquarters to assist all independent candidates and political parties intending to contest the 2024 national elections with the nomination process.
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