President Nangolo Mbumba has signed the Electoral Amendment Act 2024, which modifies the existing Electoral Act of 2014.

Announced in the Government Gazette, the new law permits remunerated public servants and members of regional and local councils to be nominated as candidates for National Assembly elections. 

Key provisions of the Act include allowing public service members to use their leave days for campaigning and participation in elections. Individuals aged 55 or older on the date the election results are announced will have the option to resign or retire if elected. Furthermore, the Act states that members who do not resign after being elected will be considered to have automatically resigned. This provision aims to facilitate the transition from public service to legislative roles. 

Additionally, the law excludes members of the Namibian Defence Force, Police Force, Correctional Service, and Intelligence Service from certain provisions, thereby establishing a clear boundary between these security roles and political activities.