Digital political activism on Facebook and TikTok drives Namibia’s young voters to the polls

Digital political activism through social media platforms such as TikTok and Facebook may be some of the most effective ways to encourage younger voters to participate in elections.

This is revealed by the Namibia Media Trust (NMT) Media Foundation’s 2025 study, titled ‘Youth and Political Participation in the 2024 Presidential and National Elections’.

The study reveals that despite youth voter turnout increasing in 2024, young Namibians were significantly more reliant on social media platforms to access election-related information to form their political opinions.

“Social media was identified as the primary source of election-related information for most young voters.

Platforms such as Twitter (X), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp were widely used to share news, discuss political developments, and mobilise voter participation,” the study says.

These platforms were used to share updates, fact-check information and call on others to vote.

Focus group discussions revealed that traditional media such as newspapers, radio, and television remained relevant for verification and in-depth reporting.

However, the trust in different media platforms varied, with many young participants expressing scepticism about certain outlets and concern over misinformation.

“Many participants appreciated the immediacy and accessibility of social media, which allowed them to stay informed in real time,” the report says.

A Windhoek respondent says X provides fast updates as things happen.
“It’s where everything breaks first.”

WhatsApp was also frequently mentioned as a key platform for receiving election-related messages from friends, family, and political groups.

The study has found that youth in urban areas such as Windhoek, Keetmanshoop and Lüderitz were more engaged due to better access to information and digital resources, while rural youth faced significant challenges in obtaining voter education and political news.

Social media platforms are often also sites where young people encountered and circulated fake news videos.

Many young people feel aspects of the videos are real due to real experiences, such as logistical failures at polling stations, a shortage of ballot papers and chaos during last year’s election process.

Marginalised groups, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex and other (LGBTQI+) youth, encounter additional barriers to participation, with some expressing concerns about discrimination in political spaces, making them hesitant to engage.

Gender also influences participation. While the prospect of a woman president inspires many young women to vote, some male participants admit to holding biases against woman political leaders, highlighting the ongoing influence of gender norms on electoral behaviour.

Many young people express eagerness to cast their ballots, even in the face of logistical challenges with ballot papers.

Another Windhoek participant says: “As wrong and chaotic as the process was, my friend here stood in line from morning till midnight.

The youth were eager to vote.”

Another key highlight of the study is solidarity among young voters sharing water, food, and encouragement to ensure others stayed in line during last year’s presidential and National Assembly elections.

However, many young participants in the study demand more opportunities for young people to take on meaningful leadership roles – not just token positions in youth leagues.

Another participant says: “If political parties really wanted youth participation, they’d put young people in real positions of power, not just use them for rallies.”

This is despite several parties placing young candidates on their parliamentary lists to appeal to younger voters.

These candidates include the Landless People’s Movement’s William Minnie (21), Swapo’s Fenny Tutjavi (22), Affirmative Repositioning’s Gillian Kalf (23), the National Unity Democratic Organisation’s Ripuree Mbakurupa (24), and the Popular Democratic Movement’s Julia Nekwaya (26).

While some see this as a genuine effort to empower young people, others view it as a superficial tactic to secure votes from the approximately 900 000 young voters among Namibia’s 1.4 million registered voters.

The study, however, reveals that the 2024 elections proved that youth participation is still a vital part of Namibia’s democracy.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.