NAMIBIA could see its first woman president as Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, candidate for the ruling SWAPO party, holds a commanding lead in last week’s presidential election. With two-thirds of the votes counted, she has secured just over 54 percent, according to the electoral commission. However, the opposition has rejected the election as fraudulent.
Historic milestone on the horizon
If Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, surpasses the 50 percent threshold required to avoid a runoff, she will become the first female leader of the mineral-rich nation. SWAPO has governed Namibia since it gained independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.
Her main challenger, Panduleni Itula, leader of the opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), trails far behind with just over 28 percent of the vote. Itula, 67, has dismissed the election results, citing ‘multitudes of irregularities’ and declared the process neither free nor fair.
‘The rule of law has been grossly violated,’ Itula said, vowing that the IPC would not recognise the election outcome.
Challenges at the polls
The election, held on November 27, faced logistical hurdles, including ballot shortages and technical issues, which led to voting delays and long queues. Many voters reportedly abandoned the process after waiting for hours.
Despite these challenges, the turnout was strong, with 73 percent of Namibia’s nearly 1.5 million registered voters casting their ballots. Results from 79 of the country’s 121 constituencies have been tallied, with SWAPO maintaining a stronghold across most regions, including the capital, Windhoek.
Youth discontent looms
While SWAPO has dominated Namibian politics for 34 years, the party faces growing discontent, particularly among younger voters. High youth unemployment and persistent inequality have eroded confidence in the ruling party, sparking calls for change.
If confirmed, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency would be a symbolic victory for gender equality in Africa, though her administration would face significant challenges in addressing Namibia’s economic and social issues.
All eyes are on the final results as Namibia inches closer to what could be a historic moment.
