Shiimi calls for patience among Namibians while waiting to vote

DORDABIS, 27 NOV (NAMPA) – Finance minister Ipumbu Shiimi has encouraged Namibians to exercise patience and take part in their democratic right to vote, despite the long queues observed across the country.
Shiimi, who cast his vote at the Emma Hoogenhout polling station in Windhoek, was one of the first persons observed standing in the long queue.
He said that despite the long queues and the scorching sun, Namibians should respect the sacrifices made by liberation fighters who sacrificed their lives for freedom.
“It is important to go vote, even if the queues are long. Do not give up. We know the sun is also burning but voting only happens once. This is a sacrifice that you have to make for your country. Others sacrificed their lives to get independence to give you this right to vote. Now that you have this right, you should vote and exercise this right and freedom. Let us respect the sacrifices made for us. Please go out, vote and have patience,” Shiimi appealed.
Asked why he did not cut the queue as minister, Shiimi said: “I am an ordinary citizen, voting is for everyone and it doesn’t discriminate. Being a minister is just my job but first and foremost, I am a Namibian just like any other person.”
Meanwhile, Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) Spokesperson De Wet Siluka informed Nampa on enquiry that although ministers are not given preference to vote at polling stations, they will not be turned away if they identify themselves as ministers and, therefore, request to cut the queue.
“Preferential treatment is only given to candidates on the ballot papers but ministers will not be turned away by our officials,” Siluka explained.
Landless People’s Movement Youth League spokesperson William Minnie, who is also on the party’s National Assembly list, has also encouraged voters to exercise patience while they wait in the queues to cast their votes.
“Brace yourself, take a cap, take a bottle of water, take some snacks and get yourself a camping chair. Sit in those lines and vote correctly, vote for change,” Minnie urged.
Minnie cast his vote at Dordabis.
(NAMPA)
EB/EK/ND