The spokesperson of the polling officials who were threatening to boycott elections in the Kavango West Region if the ECN did not increase their training rate was informed by the Regional Electoral Officer, Elizabeth Visagie, that the commission would no longer be needing his services. 

Stefanus Kudumo, who was to be the Presiding Officer at Ncamagoro constituency, said he was ordered to stay away from all ECN premises. 

Visagie said Kudumo was instigating and influencing other polling officials to boycott the elections. 

According to Section 176(1) of the Electoral Act, those appointed to perform any function in respect of an election or a referendum who, after having accepted an appointment, wilfully fail to perform any of the functions he or she is required to perform in terms of the Act commit an offence. 

Visagie says the ECN had instructed all Regional Electoral Officers to invoke the above section of the act and apply it to all those who engage in disruptive conduct. 

Kudumo told nbc News that it was not only his idea but rather a group decision and that he took up the position of spokesperson because not all the polling officials could speak at the same time. 

Asked how he feels, Kudumo says, “I feel bad even though I knew it was coming. It was a group decision, but I was targeted because I spoke on behalf of the group.”

Apart from Kudumo, two other polling officials were also relieved of their duties in Kavango West.

They are Rebeka Naomi Kandjamba and Victoria Sikwaya.