Vote Counting Underway as ECN Confirms Smooth Closing of Polls

Vote Counting Underway as ECN Confirms Smooth Closing of Polls. The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has confirmed that vote counting is underway following the orderly closure of polling stations across the country on Thursday. According to Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer Peter Shaama, all stations closed at the scheduled time, with provisions made for voters who were still in queues at 21h00 to cast their ballots before counting commenced.

Shaama stated that the closing process proceeded in line with ECN procedures, which require polling officials to begin verification and reconciliation of election materials immediately after the final voter has been served. This includes validating ballot papers, checking voter lists and securing sensitive materials before moving on to the counting phase.

The ECN emphasised that no counting begins until all mandatory checks have been completed, ensuring alignment with established electoral protocols. Shaama noted that verification was progressing across various stations and that the meticulous process is essential to maintaining transparency and accuracy in the tabulation of results.

Once the first set of results has been fully verified and cleared, the ECN will release them to the public. The exact time for the announcement will be communicated through the Commission’s communications department. Officials reiterated that results will only be shared once all procedural steps have been fulfilled to guarantee the credibility of the outcome.

The confirmation of smooth polling station closures and immediate commencement of counting marks an important stage in the 2025 Regional Councils and Local Authorities Elections. With verification continuing throughout the night, the ECN has assured the public that it remains committed to a transparent, accountable and well administered election process.