The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) says it has strengthened efforts to promote inclusive and accessible voting ahead of the 2025 Regional Councils and Local Authorities (RCLA) Elections, following lessons learnt from the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly Elections.

Close to 1.5 million Namibians are eligible to vote during this year's RCLA elections in two weeks. Among them are 22,245 people with disabilities, representing 1.4% of the total eligible voters. To ensure their full participation, the ECN has introduced new measures.

ECN's Deputy Director for Voter and Civic Education, Marilyn Kazetjikuria, announced that Braille ballots and tactile covers will be available at polling stations during the 26 November elections to promote independent and confidential voting for visually and hearing-impaired voters.

"We have our materials, especially our videos, which have been produced every time, and we have sign language up with the implementation of them. We also have the help of the extensive consultation with the federation, the Federation for the Visually and Hearing Impaired, to look at their needs from the electoral commission and also make sure whatever they need is being addressed."

Voter education campaigns are ongoing, focusing on accessibility information and encouraging voters who may require assistance to contact their local electoral offices ahead of election day.

A total of 21 political parties, 22 organisations and associations and 66 independent candidates will take part in the elections.