The by-election for the Swakopmund Constituency regional councillor is well underway at the coastal town.

A total of 145 polling officials were recruited and are stationed at 29 polling stations, including three mobile stations, which will be moving around town and to areas such as Goanikontes.

Seven candidates, six from political parties and one independent candidate, are contesting the elections.

In an interview with Nampa, presiding officer at the Meduletu Community Hall polling station Klaas Uanga, said the process at this polling station kicked off well and on time at 07h00.

“We have not recorded any major hiccups as yet and the voter turnout so far has been satisfactory. The only issue we have experienced so far is voters turning up with an invalid voter’s card because they had lost it and went to get a duplicate done. In this case, we either send the voter to go and collect the valid card or simply inform them they are not eligible to vote,” Uanga noted.

Some of the voters said they woke up early to make sure they cast their votes.

“I am voting for a leader whom I believe will bring the necessary development to our community and not just make empty promises,” said a voter who spoke under anonymity.

The elections were necessitated by the expulsion and removal of former Independent Patriots for Change councillor Ciske Howard-Smith from the party and subsequently, from her position as Swakopmund Constituency councillor.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency