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Namibia’s regional council and local authority elections have concluded, leaving the nation reflecting on one of the lowest voter turnouts seen since independence. The results have sparked renewed debate about public trust, political engagement, and what this means for the country’s democratic future.

To discuss the wider implications and explore what low turnout could signal for Namibia’s political landscape, Desert FM speaks to McDonald Vihanga, an independent candidate for the Okahandja constituency.

Preliminary observations from across the country indicate that Namibia may have recorded one of its lowest voter turnouts for regional council and local authority elections since independence. Popular Democratic Movement secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe joins Desert FM as he assesses what this low turnout signals for political parties.

Preliminary observations from across the country and especially in Windhoek suggest that voter turnout in yesterday’s regional council and local authority elections may have been significantly lower than expected. Many residents are expressing growing frustration with local governance service delivery. Outgoing Windhoek councillor Fransina Kahungu speaks to Desert FM on why voters stayed away.

Thousands of Namibians went to the polls yesterday for the 2025 regional council and local authority elections. Some voters expressed frustration with broken promises and demand more accountability from councillors. To assess how voting day unfolded and discuss its national significance, Desert FM speaks to the executive director of the Namibia Institute of Democracy, Naita Hishoono.

Local elections determine who will manage essential services such as water, sanitation, land allocation, housing, economic development and the everyday functions that shape our quality of life. But with numerous candidates and parties competing for votes, how can citizens identify leaders who are truly capable of delivering beyond campaign-season promises? Human rights activist Pauline Dempers speaks to Desert FM to unpack the qualities, track records and values voters should look for, offering guidance on what informed, community-focused decision-making should look like at the grassroots level.

With the regional council and local authority elections just a day away, the attention shifts to Namibia’s young people, who are said to not be interested in politics. What will it take to strengthen youth participation in our democracy?

Member of parliament and youth leader Sharonice Busch shares insights from her journey from the National Youth Council to the parliament, explaining why local elections matter, how young people can hold leaders accountable, and what first-time voters should know before they cast their vote.

Namibia’s governance system gives significant authority to local and regional leaders on issues ranging from delivering water and sanitation services to managing land, driving development and representing communities at government level. Many citizens, however, remain unclear about what these officials are mandated to do and how they can be held accountable.

Lawyer Henry Shimutwikeni speaks to Desert FM to explain what communities should expect from their leaders.

The government has committed to fully subsidising registration and tuition fees at public universities and technical colleges starting in 2026.

It has allocated N$663 million for the first quarter of 2026 to fund this roll-out. The national task force on implementing this policy has, however, not fully communicated how this would work, leaving lecturers and students worried as the new academic year looms.

Desert FM speaks to Teachers’ Union of Namibia secretary general Mahongora Kavihua for more.

Landless People’s Movement leader Bernadus Swartbooi was allegedly assaulted by former LPM member Vernon Colman at Keetmanshoop yesterday. Colman is currently running as an independent candidate.

Desert FM speaks to political analyst Sakaria Johannes on the incident.

Tomorrow, Namibians will head to the polls for the regional council and local authority elections, but youth participation remains a concern.

Desert FM speaks to After Break Magazine founder Rejoice Amutenya on the role of young people in shaping Namibia’s democracy.