Effective preparations: Recommendations for the ECN

Huge props to Namibians who understood the need to maintain electoral democracy and took the initiative to assert their constitutional right to participate in decision-making and advance democracy. Out of the 3 million eligible Namibians, 1 467 604 registered to vote.

This seems like a strong indication that either most Namibians still do not understand their constitutional rights to democracy or that not enough has been done to compel and attract the interests of the majority to register.

Consider that it is insignificant compared to the 2.2 million youth in Namibia. It is easy to declare that people are not convinced, unwilling to engage in politics, or something else entirely, but have they been given enough information to understand? Are the current methods very compelling? Without a doubt, significant improvement is needed to prevent the decline in interest.

But I would like to thank ECN for their commitment to making sure that this year's general voter registration drive is a strong democratic process. The remarkable accomplishment of registering around 1 467 604 eligible voters demonstrates their dedication to diversity and civic engagement. The ECN's work is essential to creating an equitable and representative voting process. I appreciate all of their effort and commitment.

More needs to be done

With consideration, I am reminded of the inadequate planning and set up of the data capture centre and display room for the previous elections held in Namibia. Everything appears to be done quickly, or maybe strategically, to get away with it for the benefit of others. The majority of Namibians always leave elections feeling let down.

In my opinion, a lot needs to be completed or prepared before the election on 27 November in order to guarantee transparency, ensure that the election is conducted properly, and prevent irregularities and allegations of vote rigging. I am unsure of the preparations the ECN has in place for the upcoming election, but I would like to see the auditing and data collection sites set up properly so that everyone will be satisfied with the way their results are recorded, properly audited and presented.

I have a few recommendations and suggestions that might be relevant to the ECN.

They must move quickly to guarantee a transparent, equitable and effective electoral process as Namibia gets closer to its November 2024 general elections. Maintaining democracy and building public trust in election results depend heavily on the integrity of the electoral process. In order to accomplish this, I advise the Commission to take into account the following crucial points:

1. Proper Rooms for Auditors and Observers

These rooms should be designed and arranged to facilitate the observation of vote verification by party agents and independent observers. Ensuring that these observers have a clear line of sight to all activities from within the auditor and observer rooms is paramount.

This set-up should include:

- Transparent windows and walls: Provide unhindered observation of actions by observers. Everything should be done in one room, and there should be no hidden room for capturing data or verification done in other places outside of the room.

- Enough space: Make sure there is adequate space so that party agents and observers may work comfortably and not impede the election process.

- Clearly defined protocols: Provide observers with a set of guidelines to follow in order to preserve decorum and order throughout the auditing process.

2. Observers and Party Agents Workshop

To enhance the effectiveness of observers and party agents, the ECN should organise comprehensive workshops prior to the elections. Looking at the ECN calendar launched in March, there is no plan for a workshop for observers and party agents. These workshops should cover:

- Roles and responsibilities: Clearly outline the expectations and duties of observers and party agents.

- Training on electoral processes: Provide education on the entire electoral process, including vote casting, counting, and auditing.

- Addressing concerns: Create a forum for participants to voice concerns or questions regarding the electoral process, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

3. Party Inductions in the Election Data Process

Political parties must comprehend the election data process in its entirety. All parties involved should attend induction workshops hosted by the ECN, which should cover the following:

- Detailed explanation of data handling: To guarantee transparency, give a comprehensive rundown of the procedures used to gather, handle, and preserve election data.

- Access to related data: Permit interested parties to seek information regarding the data processing procedure and any supporting documents they think are required to comprehend the vote validation and counting process.

4. Consolidation of Proper Transportation Data Security

Voter integrity depends on the security of transportation-related data used in the electoral process. The ECN needs to set up strong protocols that cover the following topics:

- Secure transport protocols: Strict tracking and accountability are ensured throughout the voting box transportation procedure by using secure vehicles and reliable staff.

- Transparency in data handling: Put in place real-time tracking tools that make the flow of electoral materials transparent.

- Voter education campaigns: To increase voter faith in the election system, run public education campaigns informing voters of the security mechanisms in place.

As Namibia prepares for its national elections, it is essential for the Electoral Commission to address these critical areas to foster a comprehensive, transparent and credible electoral environment. By implementing these recommendations, the ECN can significantly contribute to strengthening public confidence in the electoral process and ultimately upholding the democratic values on which Namibia stands. With concerted efforts, November 2024 can indeed mark a significant milestone in the nation’s democratic journey.