Mbumba calls for peaceful elections

President Nangolo Mbumba has urged Namibians to uphold democratic traditions as they prepare for tomorrow’s national elections.Mbumba said this yesterday in a statement in which he wished Namibians well for the National Assembly and presidential elections, highlighting that “our country will be the subject of intense scrutiny on the day of voting and in the days thereafter”. The president urged citizens to "uphold the democratic traditions we have entrenched by turning out in large numbers to vote for the leaders to whom you want to entrust the eighth government of the Republic of Namibia. On national voting day, I invite you, my dear compatriots, to exercise your right to vote."The president said participation in the presidential and National Assembly elections "will be your individual contribution to the stability of our country, the consolidation of our democracy and the development of our motherland. I appeal to you to do so in a climate that is calm, peaceful and respectful of one another, the relevant authorities and the laws of the Republic of Namibia."He added: “Our independence and our right to vote to determine our own destiny as a nation was a result of a long and bitter national struggle for freedom. It is a right we do not and should not take for granted.”He said as Namibia approaches the final and critical phase of voting, “we should continue with our culture and tradition of peaceful democratic elections.”Foundations of democracy He also lauded leaders of political parties and Namibians at large for conducting themselves in an orderly manner during the campaign period.“Your conduct and the climate in which you campaigned freely and expressed your views in favour of your political parties is once again a demonstration of the strength of the foundations of our democracy. I therefore wish to thank all political parties, their leaders, their rank and file, and all the relevant stakeholders, including election observation missions in the country, for the successful conclusion of all the electoral activities ahead of national voting day,” Mbumba said.The president also thanked law enforcement agencies for guaranteeing the security and safety of Namibians and visitors during the campaign period.ECN readyAs preparations for tomorrow’s polls intensify across the country, approximately 17 684 election officials are already setting up polling stations to ensure they are ready to serve the first voters when polls open at 07:00.On Friday, Peter Shaama, the chief electoral and referenda officer of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), briefed international and local election observers on achievements and challenges leading up to election day.He said the pre-election phase was fully completed, with the election phase already 85% complete, and the post-election phase set to begin next month. ECN spokesperson De Wet Siluka confirmed on Sunday that the commission had secured the vast majority of the 2 195 vehicles required for the election, with the deadline extended to allow for the rental of another 45 vehicles from private owners for the Zambezi and Hardap regions.Shaama on Friday emphasised the importance of voter cards for those who will stand in line.Police preparedNamibian Police deputy inspector general for operations, Major General Elias Mutota, on Friday said the police are ready for the task ahead. He said 4 677 police officers will be deployed to maintain order and enforce the law during the voting process.Each region will conduct additional routine patrols with teams on standby for investigations under the coordination of 14 regional operations centres."Do not consume alcohol when going to vote. After the results are announced, the regional commander will maintain law and order. There is a code of conduct. On 27 November, no one should dress to show allegiance to any political party. The election campaigns are over, and we must now vote peacefully. Please avoid showing up in political party attire," Mutota said.#NamibiaDecides2024

Mbumba calls for peaceful elections

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-26

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Mbumba calls for peaceful elections

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-26

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