Delimitation commission likely to seek another extension

After being granted a two-month extension by President Nangolo Mbumba in August to complete its mandate, the Boundaries Delimitation and Demarcation Commission is contemplating another extension as its report is still not ready.This was confirmed by the commission&#039;s chairperson, retired judge Petrus Unengu.“The report is not yet done,” Unengu told Namibian Sun yesterday. “Of course [we would ask for another extension]. I can also not give you an estimate as to how long it might take us to complete the report.”In April, Mbumba gave the commission three months to complete a report which would assist the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) with the registration of eligible voters. However, in August, upon expiry of that deadline, the commission - together with ECN CEO Petrus Shaama, Namibia Statistics Agency CEO Alex Shimuafeni and Surveyor-General Ndilipunye Shanyengana - met with Mbumba at State House regarding the delayed report.After the State House meeting, presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari informed the media that Mbumba had granted the commission an extension until 30 September. Attempts to get further comment from Hengari yesterday proved futile.Half-baked consultationsThe commission is responsible for determining the names and boundaries of regions, constituencies and local authorities.With Namibia fast heading towards the November elections, this report would aid the ECN in as far as borders, constituencies and regions are concerned. However, Hengari in August said the highly-anticipated report will not have any effect on the upcoming elections.Namibian Sun in June reported that several constituency councillors were sent back to their communities to do proper consultations regarding the ongoing boundaries delimitation and demarcation exercise after the responsible commission was fed half-baked reports from supposed engagements with communities.In the Khomas Region, where the least populated constituency has 22 000 residents, one councillor allegedly submitted a report where only 71 people were consulted, representing a paltry 0.3%.Community members in several regions such as Zambezi, Erongo and Khomas have bemoaned that regional governors and constituency councillors made submissions recommending several changes without their input. These half-baked submissions from regions allegedly resulted in the report’s delay.kenya@namibiansun.com

Delimitation commission likely to seek another extension

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Delimitation commission likely to seek another extension

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