Namibians call on fellow countrymen to turn up in large numbers to vote: Video

Many residents who spoke to AFP on the eve of election day emphasised the need for all citizens to be a part of the change.

Linnea Shaetonhodi, a resident of Windhoek said "I’ve been voting since 89 (1989, the year of Namibia's first parliamentary elections) and I know my voice counts, and I want to appeal to the youth: go vote, go in your numbers, you are the future of this country."

"If you vote, the president or maybe the party you will vote for can change things. It’s not in a day. Rome was not built in a day," Isaskar Eiseb also added.

Apart from the citizens, President Nangolo Mbumba has been at the forefront of encouraging voter turnout.

In a recent address, he emphasised the importance of upholding democratic traditions by turning out in large numbers to vote for the leaders and parties of their choice. He urged voters to do so peacefully and respectfully, as exhibited during the campaign rallies.

"I am pleased with the manner in which leaders of political parties and Namibians at large conducted themselves during the campaign period throughout our country. The climate in which you campaigned and freely expressed your views in favour of your political parties is a demonstration of the strength of the democratic foundations of the Namibian House. I therefore wish to thank all political parties, their leaders, supporters and sympathisers, and all the relevant stakeholders in the country for the successful conclusion of all the electoral activities ahead of national voting day," Mbumba.

The youth vote is particularly crucial in this election, as young people make up more than half of the electorate. Political analysts believe that the turnout of young voters could significantly influence the election outcome.

"Young people are disproportionately affected by unemployment and poverty," says Rui Tyitende, a lecturer at the University of Namibia. "Their participation is essential for a meaningful change."