Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s vice president, has been elected as the country’s first female president, continuing the ruling SWAPO party‘s 34-year dominance.
Official results released on Tuesday showed she secured 57 per cent of valid votes, surpassing the required 50 per cent threshold to avoid a runoff, as reported by Reuters.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory solidifies SWAPO’s hold on power since Namibia gained independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. Her primary challenger, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), received 26 per cent of the votes.
The IPC has vowed to contest the results in court, alleging that the election process was marred by ballot paper shortages and other technical difficulties, which led to a three-day extension of voting.
Leader with a Legacy
Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, joined SWAPO in the 1960s as part of its fight for independence.
She has held numerous senior roles, including foreign minister, and was described by political analyst Rakkel Andreas as a unifying figure within SWAPO.
“She is a stateswoman. She has been in some form of leadership since we gained independence,” Reuters quoted Andreas.Unlike some of her party colleagues, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s reputation has remained untarnished by corruption allegations.
Her election marks a significant moment in Namibia’s political history. Following her win, Nandi-Ndaitwah stated, “The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability.”
SWAPO echoed her sentiments on social media, posting, “SWAPO Wins. Netumbo Wins. Namibia Wins. Now Hard Work.”
SWAPO retains Parliamentary majority
In the National Assembly elections, SWAPO won 51 out of 96 elected seats, maintaining its majority, while the IPC secured 20 seats to become the official opposition.
According to AP, Namibia’s stability under SWAPO contrasts with the fortunes of ruling parties in neighbouring South Africa and Botswana, where they recently lost their parliamentary majorities.
Despite the victory, challenges remain. Namibia has one of the world’s highest levels of unemployment and inequality. Analysts suggest that SWAPO’s enduring appeal lies in its rural support base and the loyalty of older voters who remember the liberation struggle.
With a population of just three million spread across a vast area more than twice the size of Germany, Namibia is among the most sparsely populated countries in the world.