Namibia has made history by electing its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, in a tightly contested election marred by technical issues and legal disputes. The 72-year-old, who also serves as the country’s Vice President, secured 57% of the vote, defying expectations of a runoff. Her victory ensures the ruling SWAPO party extends its 34-year grip on power, albeit with a narrow parliamentary majority.
Election Challenges and Controversy
The election, held last Wednesday, was plagued by logistical problems, including ballot shortages, which led to a contentious three-day extension. Opposition parties have condemned the extension as unconstitutional and plan to challenge the results in court.
Panduleni Itula, leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and the runner-up in the presidential race with 25% of the vote, alleged widespread irregularities. “This election has violated the very tenets of our Electoral Act. Namibians deserve the right to choose their leaders freely and fairly, not through a rigged process,” Itula declared, vowing to lead a legal appeal.
Despite the uproar, the Electoral Commission of Namibia defended its handling of the election, rejecting calls for a rerun. Just over one million of the 1.4 million registered voters participated.
SWAPO’s Narrow Victory and Regional Shift
SWAPO retained 51 of the 96 parliamentary seats, barely surpassing the 49-seat threshold needed to maintain its majority. The election result marks the party’s worst performance since Namibia gained independence from South Africa in 1990.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s win comes amid a broader regional shift away from long-dominant liberation parties. In recent months, South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) and Botswana’s ruling party both lost their parliamentary majorities. Similarly, Mozambique’s FRELIMO has faced allegations of election rigging and violent protests.
A Historic Milestone and Promises of Change
Nandi-Ndaitwah, a veteran of Namibia’s independence movement, is poised to become the country’s fifth president. Her rise is a landmark moment for gender representation in Africa, where female leaders remain rare. She spent part of her education in the Soviet Union and has long been a key figure in SWAPO’s leadership.
In her victory speech, she emphasized the importance of peace, stability, and youth empowerment. “We are going to do what we promised you during the campaigns. Thank you for your confidence and trust in us,” she said. SWAPO’s social media celebrated with the post: “SWAPO Wins. Netumbo Wins. Namibia Wins. Now Hard Work.”
Economic Challenges and Hopes for the Future
Nandi-Ndaitwah inherits a country facing significant economic challenges, including high unemployment and widespread frustration among the youth. Namibia, a former German colony with a history tied to South Africa’s apartheid regime, possesses valuable diamond and uranium resources and is exploring offshore oil and gas deposits. These resources could potentially transform its economy if managed effectively.
As Nandi-Ndaitwah prepares to take office, the country’s political landscape remains uncertain, with opposition parties determined to challenge the election’s legitimacy. Nonetheless, her presidency marks a new chapter in Namibia’s history, symbolizing hope for progress and inclusion in a nation striving for unity and development.