Govt moves to restore NYC election crisis

The government is working to restore stability at the National Youth Council (NYC) with an interim board, legal reforms and preparations to conclude the council’s disrupted elections.

Youth ministry’s Executive Director Gerard Vries said an interim board is expected to be in place by the end of this month to help finalise outstanding business from the General Assembly, which was postponed in June following violent disruptions in Swakopmund.

In a media statement issued, Vries said the ministry had spent the months since the postponement consulting stakeholders, calming tensions and identifying a constructive way forward for the statutory youth body.

The interim board will work with the minister to finalise its terms of reference and work plan and prepare for the resumption of the General Assembly.

“The assembly’s main task will be to complete the elections that were interrupted during the previous proceedings,” he explained.

The ED revealed that the ministry has sought guidance and support from the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) and the Office of the Attorney-General to help ensure the outstanding electoral process is handled lawfully and transparently.

“All grievances, complaints and objections with regard to accreditation, participation and any related matters will be dealt with and finalised before the commencement of the General Assembly,” he said.

Vries assured that law enforcement officers will be on standby to prevent a repeat of the disruptions.The June assembly was convened in Swakopmund to elect a new executive chairperson and board for the NYC. Proceedings, however, were derailed by disagreements over the electoral process and the eligibility and accreditation of delegates.

Concerns were raised by delegates about names missing from the voters’ list, alleged irregularities in representation and whether the agreed procedures were being followed.

Different groups also disagreed over whether voting should proceed as scheduled.

Tensions escalated during the assembly, with violence leaving nine delegates injured. They received medical treatment and were later discharged. Education minister Sanet Steenkamp condemned the violence, saying no grievance justified harm. The electoral committee resigned amid concerns over safety, leaving the election process incomplete.

Steenkamp subsequently postponed the assembly. She cited that the disruptions put delegates, employees and members of the NYC interim board at risk, while investigations and due-process requirements needed attention.

Vries acknowledged that the ministry received a petition from affiliates and regional youth forums over delegate verification, compliance and adherence to the approved roadmap. The controversy renewed questions about the council’s governance and the rules governing its assemblies.

The June gathering was not the first time the NYC’s elect oral process had been disrupted. Its previous General Assembly was also postponed in December 2024, prompting calls from youth organisations for clearer procedures and stronger accountability.

The prolonged uncertainty has raised concerns about the council’s ability to provide effective representation for young people while its leadership and governance matters remain unresolved.Alongside preparations for the assembly, Vries said the ministry is pursuing changes to the National Youth Council Act.

“The proposed amendments are intended to address gaps and loopholes in the existing law that contributed to challenges during the 2024 and 2026 General Assemblies,” he said.

He further said that public consultations are expected to begin in November and continue with the aim of completing a draft amendment Bill by March 2027. The draft will then be submitted to Cabinet for consideration before proceeding through the relevant legislative processes.The ED said the consultations are expected to involve young people, NYC affiliates, regional and constituency structures, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

Vries said the review will give them an opportunity to contribute to a stronger legal and institutional framework for the council.

The ministry said management, with assistance from the Namibian Institute of Public Administration and Management (Nipam) has completed an Integrated Strategic Business Plan to guide institutional strengthening and improve programmes and services for young people.

Vries stated that the NYC management has also been supporting regional structures with youth empowerment initiatives at grassroots level. He said plans are being developed to strengthen the capacity of affiliates, particularly in compliance, governance, accountability and institutional capacity.

Vries acknowledged that the council’s problems would not be resolved overnight, but said progress by management was encouraging. He called on youth organisations and NYC affiliates to support efforts to restore stability and ensure the institution continues serving young people.

Vries urged stakeholders to approach the outstanding General Assembly proceedings with peace, dialogue, tolerance and respect for the rule of law.

He further details on the interim board, its work plan and the arrangements for the assembly will be communicated once the relevant processes have been finalised.

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