Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, a prominent figure from Namibia’s ruling SWAPO party, has been elected as the country’s first female president, according to results released by the Electoral Commission of Namibia on Tuesday. At 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah, who currently serves as the vice president, won the presidential election with around 57% of the vote, securing a victory that extends SWAPO’s dominance, which began with Namibia’s independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s electoral triumph highlights her longstanding role in Namibia’s political landscape. She joined SWAPO in the 1960s, during the struggle for independence, and has held numerous high-ranking positions, including that of foreign minister. Her main opponent in the presidential race, Panduleni Itula from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), came second with approximately 26% of the vote. Following her victory, Nandi-Ndaitwah declared, “The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability,” signaling her commitment to national unity.
Despite the victory, the IPC has announced plans to challenge the results in court, citing flaws in the electoral process. The election, held on November 27, was plagued by technical difficulties and shortages of ballot papers, which led to delays in the results. Political analysts noted that, despite growing discontent over unemployment and inequality, SWAPO remained a strong force due to its historical role in the country’s liberation. Analyst Rakkel Andreas emphasized Nandi-Ndaitwah’s ability to unite factions within SWAPO, along with her clean record, which helped her secure widespread support.
