Frequently asked questions on the regional council and local authority elections:

1: POLLING

1. 1. When are the regional council and local authority (RCLA) elections?

The regional council and local authority elections are scheduled to take place on 26 November 2025.

2. 2. What are regional council elections?

The regional council elections is an election process in which citizens elect their representatives on constituency level in which they reside, known as regional councillors. These elections are held after every five years. Regional councillors are the link between the central government and the citizens in the region and they are responsible to spearhead development in the constituencies in which they are elected.

3. 3. Which electoral system is used for the regional council elections?
   Regional council elections are conducted according to the majoritarian or first-past-the-post electoral system. In this system the candidate with the most votes win the election.
4. 4. What are local authority elections?
   Local authority elections is an election process in which citizens elect representatives in local authority areas in which they reside, known as local authority councillors. These elections are held after every five years together with the regional council elections. Local authority councillors are elected to serve the people in the various local authorities such as village councils, town councils or municipalities.
5. 5. Which electoral system is used for the local authority elections?
   Local authority elections are conducted in terms of the proportional representation system. The seats in the local authority council are allocated in proportion to the number of votes received per political party/ organisation or association. The more votes received by the political party, organisation or association contesting in the elections, the more seats it will receive.
6. 6. How can organisations or associations take part in the local authority elections?
   An organisation or association must be registered with the Electoral Commission of Namibia as provided for in terms of Section 135 of the Electoral Act in order to contest elections in the specific local authority area in which it is registered. In order to be registered the application process must be followed and the establishment of the organisation or association must be in line with the objectives as outlined in the Electoral Act.

RC & LA Elections – 2025 Polling Stations

7. 7. Who can vote in 2025 RCLA elections?
   All Namibian citizens who are in possession of valid voter’s cards will be able to vote in regional council and local authority elections. Only voter’s cards issued during 2024 general registration of voters and all subsequent supplementary registration of voters are valid.
8. 8.What time do polling stations open and close?
   Polling stations will open at 07h00 and close at 21h00.

– Compiled by the Electoral Commission of Namibia

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