Students make their voices heard as voting takes place
Increased male participation and accountability define campaigns
Student elections at Namibia’s leading universities – the International University of Management (IUM), the University of Namibia (UNAM), and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) – have taken centre stage, with all institutions running structured SRC election processes that emphasise transparency and student involvement.At IUM, the month-long process included a candidate application period, assessments, campaigning and voting. Student Ridge Kheimseb said the process was managed by an independent electoral committee to ensure fairness. “This structure proved to be effective in minimising bias and ensuring all candidates were given an equal platform,” he said.
This year’s elections at IUM also saw a significant increase in male student participation, particularly at the main campus. Male-focused events throughout the year contributed to increased confidence among young men stepping into leadership roles, with advocates noting that such efforts are beginning to pay off.
At UNAM, student Judith Walker is running for Secretary General, with an emphasis on accountability within the SRC. “I’ve always wanted to be the SRC I wish I had in my first year,” she said. Her priorities include transparency, meeting quorum at General Student Assemblies, and ensuring students receive value for their SRC fee contributions.
Walker, who currently serves as School of Science Representative, is also advocating for student engagement tools such as suggestion boxes and leadership training. “I’ve been serving the students, and I’m going to continue serving the students,” she said, urging peers to vote and participate actively in the elections.
These SRC elections mark the formation of new leadership bodies for the 2026 academic year.