Voter turnout for the regional council and local authority elections has seen a drastic decline from 81% in 1992 to 38% in 2020.

IIkwambi said that, despite a recent modest upward trend in local authority elections, they remain lower than national elections, and this, he said, is not impressive. 

"The figures underscored the strong and initial enthusiasm for local democratic participation. Although we will deal with the figures and analysis later, I wish to point out to you that these figures of 1992, 81.1% and 82%, have been the highest ever. So, initially, these two types of elections did not always take place simultaneously. This was the case because of the differences in terms of the office of regional councillors as well as local authority councils."

The commissioner further urged robust participation from all stakeholders in the electoral process. 

He said the ECN would remain steadfast in executing its mandate in a free, fair, credible, and transparent manner. 

He added that the body will learn from past experiences to enhance every aspect of the electoral cycle. 

"The Electoral Act of 2014, when read together with the Namibian constitution, mandates the Electoral Commission of Namibia as the exclusive body to organise, direct, supervise, manage and control the conduct of elections and referenda in a free, fair and credible manner, as well as to strengthen constitutional democracy and promote democratic electoral processes."

The ECN launched its electoral calendar for the 2025 Regional councils and Local Authorities elections on Wednesday in the capital. 

The elections will take place on 24 November for special voting and 26 November for general voting.