Police Chief Josef Shikongo has reassured Namibians that the police is an impartial force, mandated to serve all Namibians.

Lieutenant General Shikongo said the police do not look at an individual's social or political status before attending to a complaint.

The police Inspector General made the remarks when he briefed the media on the force's preparedness for Friday's by-election in the Guinas Constituency.

The police, Shikongo says, will attend to any potential disturbances and violence during and after the election, urging members of the public to report any untoward incidents, which will be treated with urgency and fairness.

"We do not take sides when we provide our services; therefore, we remain relevant with integrity to our people, so any party that feels threatened in any manner, the law enforcement is there to provide services that are required. This election will be conducted in terms of security, conducted in line with our constitutional mandate, that is, ensuring the safeguarding of our democratic processes. NamPol, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, is to execute the by-election plan'."

He also encouraged all political actors to promote peace and to avoid rhetoric that may be deemed as incitement.

Eighteen police officers will be deployed across 20 polling stations in the constituency, while additional members will be on patrol to ensure the safety of voters.

The police will also be responsible for ensuring the security of election material.

"Transportation of election material will be done under police escort and will be stored at the Tsumeb police station to ensure the security and safeguarding before, during, and after the process that is what NamPol is going to do."

The Guinas by-election is scheduled to take place on Friday.

The Swapo Party and the Landless People's Movement are contesting in the by-election, and on the ballots are two siblings, Moses and Fransiscus Khumub.