By Elszo Libanda
Katima Mulilo, 16 May 2024 – President Nangolo Mbumba appointed the 5th Boundaries Delimitation and Demarcation Commission in early April and tasked them with completing a report within three months. This report aims to aid the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) in registering eligible voters for the upcoming election this year.
The commission, led by acting judge Petrus Unengu, includes members Prisca Anyolo, an expert in law and traditional governance, Gerhardt Gurirab, a historian and curator, and Penias Topnaar, a teacher and pastor.
On Monday, the 13th of May 2024, the commission convened with residents of the Zambezi region at Kamunu village, where various submissions were presented. One prevalent concern voiced was the dispute over the regional boundary between Zambezi and Kavango East. Residents of Zambezi Region expressed concerns about encroachment from Kavango East into their territory, highlighting past alterations to regional boundaries by the delimitation commission.
Among the proposals was a submission by the San community residing in Bwabwata National Park. They proposed shifting the regional boundaries to align with the Divundu River, creating Bwabwata constituencies from Divundu to Kongola west constituency. They also cited challenges in accessing services due to distance and social discrepancies under the current setup, where they are serviced by Kongola Constituency.
Additionally, the San community proposed that the creation of Bwabwata constituency would administratively unite the Kwee community in both Kavango East and Zambezi regions, addressing social and economic disadvantages caused by their current division. This proposal was presented by a delegation led by Mr. Kaseta Khumalo.
Zambezi youth also submitted proposals, including a demand to revert the regional boundary back to its original position, Mukubi west of Divundu, overturning decisions made by the 4th delimitation commission. They expressed concerns about perceived bias and urged the commission to act in the region’s best interests. The chairperson, however, intervened during submissions, citing discrepancies with the terms of reference. He refuted allegations of conflict of interest due to his origin in Kavango and clarified that the current commission cannot be held accountable for past commission decisions.
Residents from Masida village presented submissions expressing dissatisfaction with their inclusion in the Lyabboloma constituency, located 75 kilometers from their village. They proposed inclusion in Kongola Constituency due to proximity and challenges in accessing services. Mr. Regain Mikiti emphasized the difficulties faced by villagers in accessing necessary services.
Induna Lister Sabuta from Kasheshe submitted inquiries regarding the renaming of Caprivi to Zambezi by the 4th delimitation commission. He expressed concerns about insufficient consultations before the name change and proposed reverting to the historical name Caprivi, citing its cultural significance.
The commission is set to receive submissions from various community members, including traditional authorities, Namibia Lives Matters, Katima Rural and Urban constituencies, Kabbe North and East, and a regional submission by the Zambezi Regional Council. Community engagements in Zambezi Region will conclude soon, with engagements in Kavango East scheduled for Thursday, 16th May 2024, in Rundu.
“The commission’s report will significantly aid the ECN in voter registration within correct regions and constituencies,” stated Unengu. The commission has three months to submit this report to the president. Additionally, the commission is empowered by the Constitution to recommend changes to the names of local authorities, regions, and constituencies.- Namibia Daily News
