Matundu: Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Jennely Matundu, along with Opuwo's first mayor, Rex Sheehama, have called on inhabitants of the Kunene Region to turn up in numbers and cast their ballots in the Presidential and National Assembly elections. Matundu and Sheehama were the first voters to cast their votes at the Opuwo police station polling station, where they highlighted the importance of voting as a way to preserve Namibia's democracy.According to Namibia Press Agency, despite technical challenges observed at various polling stations causing a bit of a delay in the voting process, the voting is said to be progressing smoothly currently. Shortly after casting her ballot, Matundu told Nampa that those who refuse to vote will have little to say in holding leaders accountable, while those who choose to participate in this free and fair process will have every right to hold their leaders accountable when the need arises. "My message to everyone at home is to vote because your v ote is your voice. If you did not vote, you will not be able to hold anybody accountable tomorrow, but if you did vote, that is your voice now to hold your leaders accountable," she said.Sheehama, a war veteran who has been voting since Namibia attained its independence, called on the youth particularly to come out and vote. According to Sheehama, the youths are the ones to lead the country, hence their participation in the elections is important. "The most people present at the polling stations are the youth. I believe that the youth as the most people that registered will be able to come out in numbers to cast their votes," he said. Sheehama stated that voting is a prerequisite for every responsible citizen.