Close to 20,000 Namibians registered to vote during the first week of the Supplementary Registration of Voters (SRV) process, which began on 4 August 2025 in preparation for the 2025 Regional Councils and Local Authorities elections. 

The Electoral Commission of Namibia has expressed satisfaction with the process so far, noting that it is progressing smoothly.

“During the first week of SRV, the Commission registered a total of 19,359 eligible voters across all 121 constituencies and 59 local authorities, as detailed in Tables 1 and 2 (attached). Additionally, 12,270 voters transferred their registration from one constituency to another, and 4,181 registered voters applied for duplicate voter registration cards,” Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer Peter Shaama said in a statement.

Shaama, however, expressed concern over the low turnout and encouraged all eligible voters to take advantage of this opportunity to register. These are young people who have turned 18 since the conclusion of the 2024 General Registration of Voters (GRV) and those whose voter cards are marked Not Applicable (NA) but have continuously resided in the same local authority area since 2 August 2024.

“We also urge eligible voters who have relocated to a different constituency or who missed the 2024 GRV to register now. To be eligible, a voter must be a Namibian citizen, at least 18 years old, and able to provide valid identification,” said Shaama. He added, “Eligible voters must apply for registration in the constituency and local authority where they currently reside. Specifically, a voter must demonstrate continuous residence in a local authority area for at least 12 consecutive months.”

Proof of residence can be provided by presenting a water or electricity bill, a telephone account, or a sworn declaration to the registration officials.

The SRV exercise is ongoing nationwide, from Mondays to Saturdays, between 08:00 and 19:00, until 19 August 2025.