The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) conducted a stakeholder engagement session to prepare for and outline the way forward for the upcoming electoral cycle.

The engagement also provided a platform for key electoral stakeholders to reflect on the 2025 Regional Councils and Local Authorities elections. 

The Commission also provided updates on the status of the Electoral Amendment Bill.

Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the ECN, Elsie Nghikembua, highlighted the importance of such engagements.

"I must underscore that democracy thrives because of these kinds of engagements, and it is through these meaningful interactions that we can foster a more robust and inclusive electoral framework. Section 42 G of the Electoral Act 5 of 2014 explicitly mandates the commission to establish and maintain liaison and cooperation with the political parties, the media, the institutions of government, the private sector and the public."

ECN's Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer, Peter Shaama, gave an update on the Electoral Amendment Bill. 

"We have requested our stakeholders to submit written submissions on the potential amendments to the Electoral Act. After receiving those submissions, we held engagements and workshops with our stakeholders, including sessions at NIPAM, specifically to discuss the proposed amendments. After all those engagements and workshops, the commission produced a drafted Electoral Amendment Bill that was submitted to the Minister of Urban and Rural Development."

The electoral cycle has three phases: pre-electoral, electoral, and post-electoral.