By: Annakleta Haikera
The local and regional elections held on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, came with surprises as more pensioners than youth were seen at different polling stations to cast their votes in the Kavango regions.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a 94-year-old woman, Ruth Nangura Shiponda, made her way towards the polling station at Ndama Combined School (polling station A) in Rundu, Kavango East.
Shiponda’s hands trembled slightly, her breath was steady, but her purpose remained unshaken.
She told The Villager that she wanted to vote for leaders who would bring meaningful change to the region.
“I want change,” she said, echoing the hopes of a region.
Her determined walk became the day’s first headline: an image of resilience and a reminder that democracy in Kavango is not merely a process, but a lived commitment passed from one generation to the next.
Across Kavango East and West, polling stations came to life early on. By 04h00, presiding officers were ready, ballot boxes sealed, and voting machines operational.
Voters showed up in numbers, including the governor of Kavango East, Julius Hamunyera Hambyuka, who cast his vote at the Rundu Government Hall.
Hambyuka said voting is important because it allows people to exercise their democratic right.
RURAL VOTERS SHOW DETERMINATION
In remote areas like Matende village, elderly residents walked long distances due to the lack of transport. One would say their message was clear: change is worth the effort.
Maria Magdalena, a resident of Matende, told The Villager that she voted because she needs access to clean drinking water and proper toilets in their homes.
She added that years of drinking dirty water from ponds and recurring waterborne diseases made this election especially important.
TURNOUT VARIED ACROSS POLLING STATIONS
Some stations, such as the Maria Mwengere Secondary School, experienced a noticeably low turnout in the afternoon.
Presiding officer Toive Mukula said the station opened on time and the voting process went smoothly, but voter numbers dropped later in the day.
Meanwhile, at Ngondo Primary School, over 600 people had voted by the evening. Presiding officers said the morning saw the highest turnout, as voters reportedly rushed in early before the afternoon heat.
Rural voters across Kapako and the surrounding areas continued to face challenges such as long walking distances and limited transport options.
These hardships have long contributed to frustrations over service delivery, particularly water access and sanitation.
In Kavango West, Mupini Combined School recorded a significant turnout. Presiding officer Regina Muyeye said crowds remained consistent from the morning until late afternoon.
She added that all systems functioned well and special attention was given to elderly voters.
Across both regions, many people said they hope newly-elected councillors will prioritise clean water, sanitation, better infrastructure, and economic opportunities for the youth.
Despite the challenges, voter commitment remained strong, driven by hope, endurance, and the belief that change is possible.
