Members of the Africa Union (AU) Observer Mission, who observed Saturday’s polls, have commended the National Electoral Commission (NEC) for conducting successfully the 2007 presidential and parliamentary elections.
The observers stated that in general the organization and conduct of the elections were transparent, orderly and peaceful.
The mission said it was satisfied that the polling arrangements assured the secrecy of the ballot.
Mr Victor Tonchi, chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Namibia who led the delegation, noted that the AU’s mission observed that the overall numbers of polling stations were adequate and accessible to ensure that as many eligible voters as possible cast their votes.
But, however, noted that in some polling centres with multiple polling stations, voters had difficulty identifying their correct stations.
He added that NEC officials and staff deployed at polling centres and stations displayed commitment and fortitude in carrying out their tasks.
“They were courteous and appeared to be committed to conducting the elections in a transparent manner explaining carefully the ballot paper and voting process to each other,” he stated.
The counting procedures, the head of the delegation declared, was properly implemented without disruption, adding that although polling officials deviated in some specific aspects of the sorting and counting these were of a minor nature and did not appear to affect the determination of polling station results.
On electricity, Tonchi said although each polling station received two lamps, some polling stations had inadequate or no lightning, potentially affecting both the opening and closing polls.
On security, he pointed out that the mission noted a positive and calm police presence at almost all the polling centres visited, police were visible but not intrusive.