Katima mulilo: The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) in the Zambezi Region has announced the need for 327 vehicles to effectively conduct the upcoming Regional Council and Local Authority Elections scheduled for 26 November. This requirement was unveiled during a regional stakeholder engagement session held in Katima Mulilo on Monday.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the meeting also served to introduce eight returning officers for the region’s eight constituencies, along with representatives for two additional local authorities-the Bukalo Village Council and the Katima Mulilo Town Council-bringing the total number of returning officers to ten. The session was spearheaded by Lesley Simwanza, the ECN’s Regional Electoral Officer. Each returning officer presented on various themes covering preparedness, recruitment, training venues, fleet, deployment, and gazetted polling stations, among other topics.
During a presentation on fleet acquisition and logistics, Habasiyani Liyuba, the returning officer for Judea Lyabboloma Constituency, stated that 327 vehicles are required for the electoral process. Currently, 254 vehicles have been secured, leaving a shortfall of 73 vehicles. This has led to a public appeal for assistance in meeting the requirement. Liyuba explained that consultations are ongoing, and the community is being urged to contribute. In a bid to accommodate more vehicles, the ECN has relaxed some of the vehicle requirements, allowing models from 2015 onwards instead of the previously stipulated 2020 models. However, these vehicles must still undergo inspection by traffic officers to ensure compliance with fundamental requirements.
Linyanti Constituency Councillor, Ivenne Kabunga, enquired if vehicles owned by nominated candidates could be hired by the ECN. Liyuba confirmed that such vehicles could be considered, provided they meet all necessary requirements, including the absence of party colors or campaign stickers. Vehicles without insurance but otherwise eligible may also be hired, subject to the signing of an indemnity form by the owners.
The vehicles needed are primarily single and double-cab pickups not older than 10 years, ideally with canopies, as well as SUVs. The meeting aimed to enhance coordination and ensure that all stakeholders are informed. It was also revealed that 1,038 polling officials have been called up for the exercise, with training scheduled from 07 to 15 November 2025. Additionally, 346 police officers, 346 election agents, 16 IT field support staff, and eight verifiers will be deployed across the region.