ECN commissioner candidates push for electoral reforms
Four candidates interviewed for positions as Electoral Commission of Namibia commissioners have advocated for sweeping legislative reforms and logistical improvements to boost public trust. The candidates appeared before a selection committee at the National Council chambers on Wednesday as part of the recruitment process for new commissioners following the expiry of the current commission’s term. […] The post ECN commissioner candidates push for electoral reforms appeared first on The Namibian.
Black News 
Four candidates interviewed for positions as Electoral Commission of Namibia commissioners have advocated for sweeping legislative reforms and logistical improvements to boost public trust.
The candidates appeared before a selection committee at the National Council chambers on Wednesday as part of the recruitment process for new commissioners following the expiry of the current commission’s term.
SOS Children’s Villages Namibia national director Julieta Ferreira said the commission should consider extending voting hours and increasing the number of polling stations to ease pressure on voters.
“There is a need to have mitigation measures in place so that when challenges arise, responses are already known. Services must also be decentralised through adequate polling stations,” she said.
Ferreira said delays in announcing election results during previous regional and local authority elections indicate the need to review the Electoral Act and introduce necessary amendments. She also called for extensive research into declining voter turnout.
Candidate Josephine Hamwaama stressed the importance of a strong communication strategy to ensure the public receives accurate and consistent information about electoral processes.
“The media is a critical stakeholder and must be properly informed about ECN processes to ensure accurate reporting, as it serves as a bridge between the commission and the public,” she said.
Information governance specialist Patricia Ileka said voter education should be intensified, particularly in rural communities, while voter registration data must remain up to date.
She also advocated for improved training of polling officials and police officers to enhance public interaction during elections.
Social worker Emmerentia Leonard called for greater transparency, integrity and stakeholder inclusion throughout the electoral process.
“We need more voting streams and ballot booths to reduce long queues and improve the voting experience,” she said.
The post ECN commissioner candidates push for electoral reforms appeared first on The Namibian.
