Ensure equal access to voting booths - Wakudumo

Kavango East governor Bonifatius Wakudumo has called for inclusivity in the upcoming elections, saying provisions need to be made for older citizens, people living with disabilities and marginalised groups to allow them to fully participate in the democratic voting process without barriers.Speaking at the Electoral Commission of Namibia’s (ECN) stakeholder meeting in Rundu last Thursday, Wakudumo highlighted the importance of collaboration and respect among political leaders, urging them to honour the people they seek to represent.“We must work together, respect one another and, most importantly, respect the voters we are asking to support our parties. Voting is a fundamental right, a cornerstone of democracy and in our Namibian context, it’s not just a right, it’s a profound responsibility that every eligible citizen must take seriously,” he said.“Through voting, citizens help shape the future of our nation by electing leaders who represent their voices and aspirations."The governor added: "As we proceed with today's agenda, let us keep in mind the diverse groups we represent. Among us are political leaders, traditional authority figures who are custodians of tradition, church representatives, security personnel and advocates for people living with disabilities. This diversity should guide our discussions and remind us that the democratic process must be inclusive, fair and accessible to all. No voter should face any form of exclusion or barriers to participating in this important national exercise."A right and a dutyWakudumo added that the goal of last week's engagement was not merely to boost voter turnout but to create an informed electorate.“As leaders, we have a responsibility to foster voter participation. Voting is both a right and a duty for every eligible citizen. This is a time for collaboration, unity and collective effort towards strengthening our democracy,” he said.The governor reiterated that leaders from all sectors must unite to foster a conducive environment for voting.“We must ensure that no one is left behind in this process. Provisions must be made for the elderly, people living with disabilities and all marginalised groups to participate without barriers. Voting is a right that must be accessible to all,” he said.Registration numbersThe regional electoral officer for Kavango East, Paulus Sifire, revealed that 83% of eligible voters in the region have registered, totalling 87 728 registrants out of 185 847 eligible voters across the six constituencies.“Constituencies like Rundu saw a high turnout of 96%, followed by Mukwe and Ndiyona at 84%, Mashare at 83%, Rundu Urban at 82%, and Ndonga Linena at 78%,” Sifire said.nikanor@erongo.com.na#namibiadecides2024

Ensure equal access to voting booths - Wakudumo

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-11

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Ensure equal access to voting booths - Wakudumo

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-11

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