Ahead of Namibia’s general elections scheduled for Wednesday, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has urged Namibians to ensure a calm and peaceful electoral process.
The polls will determine the country’s next president and the leadership of the 8th National Assembly, in accordance with the Namibian Constitution.
In a statement on Tuesday, Hassan – who chairs the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation – highlighted the importance of the elections, emphasising that Namibia has a reputation for conducting peaceful elections with minor challenges.
“I urge all political actors and their supporters to secure a successful, calm, peaceful election day and post-election period by acting responsibly,” Hassan said.
She called upon all eligible Namibian voters to participate in high numbers to vote and decide on the country’s future leadership.
She expressed confidence that Namibians would uphold democratic principles and adhere to the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, which promote free, fair, and credible elections.
The SADC has deployed its electoral observation mission to oversee the election process, from the pre-election phase to polling day and beyond.
This mission, led by former Speaker of Tanzania’s Parliament Anne Semamba Makinda, aims to ensure that the elections reflect the region’s commitment to democratic governance.
JN/APA