Elections in Namibia: Moving forward from 2024
The 2024 elections in Namibia presented a pivotal moment for the nation, yet they were marred by several mistakes on the part of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN). These errors, ranging from logistical mishaps to communication failures, undermined public confidence in the electoral process and raised questions about the institution's ability to deliver free and fair elections. This essay examines these shortcomings and concludes by introducing the VOTERS Framework for Namibia, a comprehensive model designed to rebuild trust and ensure integrity in future elections. Mistakes by the Electoral Commission of Namibia in the 2024 Elections 1. Logistical Challenges One of the most significant issues during the 2024 elections was the ECN's inability to manage logistics effectively. Reports of ballot shortages in key constituencies highlighted a lack of preparedness. In urban centers such as Windhoek and Walvis Bay, several polling stations ran out of ballots midway through ele...