INTRODUCTION
The Electoral Support Network of Southern Africa (ESN-SA) and the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) jointly deployed a small delegation comprising experienced observation practitioners to Namibia’s 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections. The members of the Mission were drawn from Botswana, Eswatini, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The primary objective of the Joint Observer Mission was to evaluate whether the Namibian electoral process adhered to national laws and to determine if the country’s electoral framework aligns with regional and international principles, norms, standards, and best practices. This initiative underscores the two organisation’s dedication to advancing democratic integrity and transparent electoral processes throughout the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

METHODOLOGY
The accreditation process for the Joint Mission by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) was seamless. On Election Day, the joint Mission deployed its team members to Khomas, Otjozondjupa, and Hardap regions. The Mission conducted extensive research and met with a wide range of electoral stakeholders, including other international observation missions, members of the legal fraternity, media experts, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) representatives. In its assessment of the elections, the joint Mission used various global, regional normative and legal instruments for democratic elections, such as the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, the Principles for Election Management, Monitoring, and Observation (PEMMO) together with the Namibia’s legal framework. The Joint Mission closely observed voting on 27 November 2024.

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Voter registration is crucial, yet intricate aspect of any electoral process. Though
costly, time-consuming and a complex electoral process, it serves as a foundational
cornerstone of democratic systems, defining who can participate in selecting political
leaders. The effectiveness and credibility of any election hinges on proper voter
registration, which adds value to the electoral process. Conversely, inadequate and
flawed voter registration has repercussions, detrimental to electoral outcomes. Faulty
voter registration automatically translates to a faulty election and equally
questionable outcomes.

Voter registration can be continuous, periodic, or civil, each form with its distinct merits and demerits. In Zimbabwe, voter registration is continuous to ensure the voters rolls remain up-to-date. Prospective registrants physically appear at the ZimbabweElectoral Commission (ZEC) local District Office to register, and a voters’ roll is compiled. However, this process has faced significant contestations and criticism for allegedly undermining electoral processes and outcomes. Concerns about impact on electoral integrity, inclusivity, accuracy, transparency, and security have been raised.

Currently, the Constitution of Zimbabwe designates the ZEC as the primary body responsible for voter registration, along with other electoral duties like the delimitation of electoral boundaries. In March 2024, a proposal to (i) shift voter registration responsibilities from ZEC to Civil Registration Department (CRD), (ii)automatically register new registrants upon attaining 18, and (iii) automatically remove deceased from voters’ roll at the issuance of a death certificate emerged, with a repeat of the same call in November 2024. In view of this proposal, critics maintain that a clean, accurate,e and complete voters roll—resulting from a comprehensive registration process conducted by an independent body directly involved in elections is crucial for the health of Zimbabwe’s democracy.

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