The Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN) proceeded with the election of a Bishop this afternoon, and polls are expected to close at nine o'clock this evening.

The election is taking place simultaneously across all registered ELCRN parishes throughout the country.

The candidates are incumbent Bishop Sageus |Keib, Deputy Bishop Abraham ||Kheibeb, and Lourenst Kuzatjike, who is a new contender.

The sealed red bag containing ballot papers was presented before the voters and opened in full view to ensure transparency. 

Election officials explained that once the voting concludes, all ballots will be repacked into the same red bag, sealed, and transported to Grootfontein for the final counting process.

At the Tanidare Parish, which has about 4,000 members, only 190 members are registered to vote, mostly from smaller congregations in the informal settlements. 

The majority of those who cast their votes there were the elderly.

Bet-el Parish has 423 registered voters, with participation from both young and old.

At Macedonia Church in central Katutura, 269 members registered who also cast their votes.

Voters are required to verify their names on the official register of the church before signing off to receive their ballot papers. 

Only those with a valid church membership card are permitted to vote.

The Electoral Commission Chairman, Steven Gamseb, attributed the low turnout to a lack of mobilisation.

"My way of thinking is that for the next election, after the five years have passed, the process should be properly planned. Mobilisation should be carried out, the elections should be inclusive and considerate of disadvantaged people, awareness should be raised well in advance, and repeated mobilisation efforts should be visible to the masses."

Gamseb stressed the importance of improving awareness and participation ahead of future elections, saying the credibility of the church's leadership process depends on these.