Delegates attending the National Youth Council of Namibia (NYCN) general assembly have been urged to accept the outcome of elections that will determine the organisation’s leadership for the next four years.
Vice president Lucia Witbooi made the call on Friday while opening the council’s third general assembly at Swakopmund.
The gathering brings together youth representatives from across the country to elect a new leadership for the statutory body.
Witbooi said delegates should respect both the election process and its outcome.
“An election is only worth holding if both the processes and its outcome command respect,” she said.
She urged delegates to support those elected once results are announced.
“It means accepting results once they are announced. It also means extending support to whoever is elected,” Witbooi said.
The vice president warned against divisions within the youth body and called for unity during and after the elections.
“Whoever comes out victorious in this vote, let the youth rally their support to such an individual. I urge you to maintain unity, peace and harmony during and after the outcome of this general assembly,” she said.
The assembly is expected to elect leaders who will guide the council until 2030.
Witbooi said delegates would be deciding the future direction of an institution tasked with representing young people and advising the government on youth matters.
“With your vote, you will be setting the direction of an institution that speaks formally and constitutionally for the youth of this great nation,” she said.
he thanked the interim board for steering the organisation ahead of the elections.
Witbooi said the country requires strong youth leadership to contribute to national development and address challenges facing young people.
She said youth unemployment remains one of the country’s challenges, standing at 44.4%.
According to Witbooi, the government aims to increase youth employment to 70% by 2030 and reduce the number of young people not in employment, education or training from 42% to 25%.
The four-day assembly is expected to conclude with the election of a new leadership and the adoption of resolutions on issues affecting young people.
