Oshana to deploy about 400 officers at polling stations

OSHAKATI, 25 NOV (NAMPA) – The commander of the Namibian Police Force in the Oshana Region, Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, has said about 400 police officers will be stationed at various polling stations during Wednesday's National Assembly and Presidential Elections.
Sakaria told Nampa in an interview on Monday that they will use every police officer available at polling stations and for normal crime prevention activities.
“We will deploy officers to all 182 polling stations and a team of senior officers responsible for constituencies to ensure that members are on the ground and there are no issues at any given polling station,” he said.
He added that their special reserve force is also on standby for any eventualities or crowd control situations, should they arise.
Sakaria also said they do not expect voters to turn up to vote with firearms or under the influence of alcohol.
“We are encouraging voters to come early and avoid trying to cut queues or cause any disruption. People are also not allowed to come dressed in their political attire or to engage in any political activities within the radius of the polling station,” he added.
Moreover, Sakaria reminded the public that 27 November will be a public holiday and the sale of alcohol is prohibited.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) will deploy 5 042 officers to all 2 521 polling teams established by the commission, covering 4 677 polling stations across all 121 constituencies nationwide.
(NAMPA)
SR/HP/AS