Windhoek: Polling stations in multiple constituencies in the Kavango West Region reported smooth operations on Wednesday as voters headed to the polls to cast their votes in the Regional Councils and Local Authorities Elections. Seven out of eight constituencies in Kavango West are participating in the regional councils elections, with Nkurenkuru being the only town participating in the local authority elections. The process saw first-time voters joining the electoral process, with officials expressing satisfaction despite some logistical challenges.

According to Namibia Press Agency, at the Mbunza Traditional Authority Hall polling station at the Kapako Constituency traditional office, presiding officer Daniel Kamaranga confirmed operations began promptly at 07h00 and said his team did not encounter any major issues. Similarly, at Kaakuwa Primary School polling station in the Mpungu Constituency, the presiding officer, Adolf Kakongo, reported that two voters were already waiting in line by opening time at 07h00, with party agents also present. Kakongo said the polling station by mid-morning had 15 voters who had cast their votes, while the mobile teams in the Mpungu Constituency recorded 11 voters by mid-day at one of the locations.

According to Kasoka Kasanga, the presiding officer at Yinsu Clinic Mobile polling station in the Mpungu Constituency, they maintained efficient operations, with mobile teams operating on a three-hour rotation between locations to maximise voter access. First-time voter, 20-year-old Eino Jairus, described the experience as 'empowering' and expressed hope that his vote would contribute to community development, particularly in schools and health services. Another first-time voter, Damasius Kudumo, 22, from Kapako Constituency, highlighted that his community needs water infrastructure improvements, and expects that the elected councillors would address local development challenges.

Slight challenges were recorded, including voters not appearing on registration lists and space constraints at certain polling stations requiring improvised layouts with verification tables set up outside. All polling stations are expected to close at 21h00.