Henties bay: Critics have raised concern over the designation of the National Youth Service (NYS) Centre in Henties Bay as a voter registration point, questioning whether temporary recruits undergoing training there qualify as ordinary residents of the Arandis Constituency.

According to Namibia Press Agency, former United Democratic Front (UDF) secretary-general, Michael Skini, who is also a candidate for Arandis Constituency councillor, warned that the decision threatens Namibia’s electoral integrity, noting that close to 700 recruits stationed at the centre for a six-month training are now eligible to register. Skini argued that while permanently employed staff should be allowed to register, the inclusion of temporary recruits contradicts past electoral practice.

‘In previous election cycles, recruits were not allowed to register. Why the sudden change?’ he queried, stressing that temporary residency should not automatically translate into voting rights for local and regional elections. He further cautioned that such decisions risk inflating the electoral roll and undermining the voting power of long-term residents.

‘We call for an immediate moratorium on registering NYS recruits at the Henties Bay centre until residency verification and registration criteria are transparently established. If not, we will be forced to consider legal steps, including a possible court interdict,’ he said. Skini emphasised that under the law, a resident for voter registration purposes must have a fixed and stable place of abode in that constituency and intend to remain there for the foreseeable future, insisting that temporary trainees fail to meet this threshold.

Responding to the matter, Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) Chief Electoral Officer, Peter Shaama defended the move, saying the establishment of registration points follows the electoral framework, which prioritises access and inclusiveness. ‘The NYS Centre was designated as a mobile registration point between 09 and 12 August 2025, similar to those set up at tertiary institutions across the country. It was not exclusively for recruits, but open to all eligible voters in the constituency,’ Shaama clarified.

He added that residence is defined not by time, but by intent to remain or return. ‘Any voter, political party or organisation may lodge an objection during the inspection period if they believe an individual does not qualify. This ensures integrity of the roll before it is finalised,’ he said. Shaama further noted that all 4 233 registration points for the 2025 Supplementary Registration of Voters were circulated to political parties in June, with only two submitting inputs before the July deadline.