The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has completed the training of polling officials ahead of the upcoming Grootfontein Constituency by-elections, scheduled for 17 June.

Regional Voter Education Officer for Otjiwarongo, Beatrice Sililo-Epuka, confirmed that the officials are fully prepared to conduct the elections efficiently following an intensive training session held at Otjiwanda Secondary School from 9 June.

"They really got the message, and they are ready to take the bull by the horns. So all the forms have been discussed; they are familiar with the whole process," said Sililo-Epuka. "It's not the first time polling officials, meaning they have already contacted the training, so they are much more familiar with the process."

A total of 37 polling stations will be active across Grootfontein, where voter education campaigns are in full swing. Posters and materials have been distributed around town to assist residents in understanding the voting process ahead of election day.

"For those who have never seen a simple ballot paper, they can go and check now the candidate of their choice before that Tuesday comes," Sililo-Epuka explained. "We are all over. We have been doing the displaying in town; information is all over, and we are ready to conduct these by-elections."

Four political parties are contesting the seat: the Swapo Party, United Democratic Front (UDF), Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), and the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM).

The Grootfontein Constituency has 18,231 registered voters, all of whom are expected to cast their votes in what is expected to be a smooth and well-organized electoral process.