ECN explains voting delays at Kapps Farm

KAPPS FARM, 27 NOV (NAMPA)- Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) spokesperson, De Wet Siluka, has lamented the long wait that some people have to endure to cast their votes.
He was responding to enquiries regarding hundreds of voters at the Kapps Farm mobile polling station, some 20km east of Windhoek, who have expressed frustration about the delayed start of the voting process here.
“What happens is that once a polling station closes at 13h00 and there are people in the queue, we will still continue to serve those ones in the queue. We only then move to the next station afterwards,” Siluka explained.
Voting was initially scheduled to commence at 14h00, however, no ECN official was in sight, over an hour later. Some voters left the station to look for alternative polling stations, with some expressing that they have given up on voting altogether.
Potential voter Hannes Engels told Nampa that they had initially gone to Otjihase mine, which is also in the area, and were told the station is closing at 13h00.
“My family and I then came at Kapps Farm and we have been waiting since 11h00. We are standing in the sun. Some people came here as early as 04h00 to just queue up,” he noted.
Another voter and local farmer, Peter Schaepe, also expressed his frustration, but urged voters to exercise patience.
“It is demoralising. I came here at 11h00 with my farm workers. We have been waiting since then. I am grateful to have an opportunity to vote freely for the party of my choice. The organisation of ECN should have done things been better at this polling station to ensure they cater for everyone. People should, however, exercise patience. Let’s not get angry,” Schaepe urged.
(NAMPA)
EB/ND/HP