THE Electoral Commission of Namibia youth
ambassadors and trainers in the //Karas region have gone without pay for a
month since their recruitment in October on a two-month contract.
Similar reports have also emerged from the Erongo
region.
Trained in voter education, the ambassadors
presented to other youths topics including the Constitution, elections,
democracy, civic rights and obligations, democracy, and political tolerance.
The ambassadors also motivated others and explained
the use of the electronic voting machines (EVMs).
A source close to permanent voter education
officials indicated that the temporary voter educators, who were each hired on
a monthly salary of N$6 000, live off the permanent staff's 'hand-outs' when
working outside their home towns because of the non-payment of their salaries.
Service providers in the //Karas region, who
provided sound systems and music during the roadshows, also complained that
invoices submitted to ECN at the beginning of October for the services
rendered, remain unpaid.
“We have agreed that they would pay me immediately
after the roadshow. But, every time I enquire about the payment, I am told next
week,” DJ Apere fumed.
DJ Apere and another service provider DJ Tony
threatened to sue the ECN for default payment of N$9 000 and N$7 500
respectively, if it fails to pay them.
ECN public relations officer Vikitoria Hango confirmed
the non-payment, but denied financial constraints.
“We have budgeted money for their salaries and
roadshows,” said Hango, who blamed delayed 'paperwork' for the non-payments.
Hango said all outstanding payments will be
finalised this week, and that some cheques had already been printed.
“They will, by latest, receive their salaries next
week,” Hango said, adding that even the service providers would be paid soon.
“Yes, we have not paid them on time, but they can be
assured that we will make the payments soon,” Hango said.
When asked whether the non-payment of salaries has
impacted on casual voter educators across the country, Hango hesitantly
replied: “Some have not received their salaries while others have”.
Hango apologised to the affected service providers
and staff, saying the ECN will ensure they get paid.
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