NETUMBO Nandi-Ndaitwah has made history as Namibia’s first female president, securing a decisive victory in the country’s recent elections. The 72-year-old leader of the ruling SWAPO party won with nearly 57 percent of valid votes, as confirmed by the Electoral Commission of Namibia on Tuesday. Her win extends SWAPO’s 34-year grip on power, a legacy that began when the party led Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, who has been the vice president since 2015, addressed the nation after being declared president-elect. ‘The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability,’ she said. A long-time member of SWAPO, she joined the liberation movement in the 1960s and has since held key positions, including serving as foreign minister.
Her closest rival, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), garnered 26 percent of the vote. The IPC has announced plans to challenge the election results, citing ‘deep flaws’ in the electoral process. Despite the criticism, SWAPO also secured a majority in the National Assembly, winning 51 of 96 elected seats, while the IPC took 20, making it the official opposition.
The elections on November 27 were marked by logistical challenges, including ballot shortages and delays in results due to extended voting. However, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory signals continued loyalty to SWAPO, particularly in rural areas, despite growing discontent over unemployment and inequality.
Political analyst Rakkel Andreas highlighted her leadership qualities, noting her ability to unite SWAPO’s factions and maintain a clean reputation amid widespread corruption allegations against other party members. ‘She is a stateswoman who has been in leadership since we gained independence,’ Andreas told Reuters.
As Nandi-Ndaitwah prepares to take office, her presidency marks a significant milestone for Namibia, embodying both continuity and progress for a nation with deep ties to its liberation struggle.
