Voting in Namibia general election enters fourth day due to technical glitch

LUSAKA, Zambia

Voting in Namibia's general election was extended to a fourth day Saturday because of a technical glitch, according to the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN).

President Nangolo Mbumba granted the ECN permission to extend voting in selected areas through fixed and mobile polling stations.

"The Presidency wishes to assure the Namibian public that the President is committed to upholding the Constitution, including the right of every citizen who has reached the age of 18 years to vote," according to a statement on Mbumba's Facebook page that said he thanked Namibians for their patience and calm during the electoral period.

Namibia went to the polls Nov. 27 with more than 1 million registered voters to elect a new leader. Mbumba has held office for nine months after the death of Hage Geingob in February.

The ruling South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) has fielded Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, the nation's vice president, who, if elected, would become Namibia's first female president.

Fourteen other candidates are vying for the presidency.

If none of the 15 attain the winning mark of 50% of the vote, the two top vote-getters would face off in a second round which has never happened in the country.

Mbumba met the African Union election observer mission to Namibia on Friday and said: "We should fight for democracy, whoever is going to lead us, should lead us in peace, not in chaos."