The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) will hold bi-elections in Guinas Constituency in the Oshikoto Region in January.

The position became vacant following the death of the constituency councillor Elias Martinus last month.

Bi-elections are held within three months of a vacancy.

Despite having a mammoth task as it prepares for the Presidential and National Assembly elections this month, the ECN says it is right on track.

Its spokesperson, De Wet Siluka, said the ECN has started to engage registered political parties that would want to take part in the bi-election and raise voter awareness, while supplementary registration will be conducted in due course. 

"It was a sad note for us as a commission. What happens when there is a bi-election is that you first announce the date of the bi-election and train the registration officials because you need to conduct supplementary registrations prior to the actual voting. You do the supplementary of voters and continue with civic and voter registration; all this will be outlined in the election schedule of the Guinas by-elections."

Siluka further said the Commission is yet to engage stakeholders on the election date.

All the details leading to the bi-election will be announced to the public in due time. 

"Until we have engaged with key electoral stakeholders, which are the political parties, and agree on the schedule that is put there through the liaison committee, the commission cannot go and start announcing; it will be premature for us to announce the key electoral dates."