Namibia has made history by electing its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, marking a significant milestone in the country’s political landscape.
The 72-year-old leader, representing the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), secured 57.31% of the vote in a highly contested election, according to the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN).
The election, held from November 27 to November 30, faced several logistical challenges, including ballot paper shortages and malfunctioning voter registration devices. Despite these setbacks, nearly 77% of the country’s 1.5 million registered voters participated.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory is notable as she is the first woman to lead the mineral-rich nation since its independence in 1990. Known by her initials “NNN,” she brings decades of political experience, having served as vice president earlier this year. During her campaign, she pledged to prioritize job creation and attract foreign investment through economic diplomacy.
However, the election was not without controversy. The main opposition party, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), led by Panduleni Itula, rejected the results, citing “irregularities.” IPC spokesperson Imms Nashinge reaffirmed this stance, stating the party would seek to nullify the results through legal means. Election monitors also raised concerns, suggesting the delays and logistical issues were intentional.
In response to the tensions, ECN chairperson Elsie Nghikembua called for unity, urging Namibians to accept the results peacefully. “Democracy calls upon us to unite once the votes have been counted,” Nghikembua stated.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s win also underscores SWAPO’s resilience, despite declining support compared to previous elections. The party maintained control of the National Assembly with 51 seats, though down from 63.
