Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been declared Namibia’s first female president following a contentious election marred by technical difficulties and opposition protests.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, secured 57% of the vote in last week’s presidential election, defying predictions of a runoff and cementing her place in history as the country’s fifth leader since independence in 1990.
Her ruling SWAPO party retained its parliamentary majority with 51 seats, narrowly surpassing the 49 needed to govern, but delivered its worst-ever result.
The election, which took place last Wednesday, faced widespread logistical challenges, including ballot shortages, forcing officials to extend voting by three days. The extension has been criticized as unconstitutional by opposition parties, with some pledging legal action to nullify the results.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia rejected calls for a rerun, maintaining the legitimacy of the election. However, the controversy has cast a shadow over Nandi-Ndaitwah’s historic victory.
In her victory speech late Tuesday, Nandi-Ndaitwah pledged to prioritize 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.
Panduleni Itula, the main opposition candidate from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), placed second with 25% of the vote. He has criticized the election as flawed, alleging that thousands of Namibians were disenfranchised due to inconsistent voting extensions.
“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 said, vowing to challenge the results in court.
Several opposition parties boycotted the announcement of results in Windhoek, citing irregularities.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory comes amid a wave of change across southern Africa, where long-ruling liberation parties face mounting frustration over economic challenges.
In South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC) lost its 30-year parliamentary majority earlier this year. In Botswana, the ruling party was ousted after 58 years in power, while Mozambique has faced violent protests over alleged electoral rigging.
SWAPO, which led Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa, has encountered similar pressures. High unemployment, economic hardship, and dissatisfaction among young voters have eroded its once-dominant support.
Despite these challenges, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s win signals continuity for the ruling party, which has governed Namibia for 34 years.
A veteran of Namibia’s liberation struggle, Nandi-Ndaitwah joined SWAPO’s underground movement in the 1970s and received part of her education in the former Soviet Union. She became vice president in February following the death of President Hage Geingob.
Namibia, with its population of around 3 million, is known for its political stability. However, the recent election has raised concerns about its democratic processes.
The country’s vast natural resources, including diamonds, uranium, and potential offshore oil and gas reserves, position it as an emerging player in global energy markets.
While Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory marks a milestone for gender equality in leadership, her administration faces significant challenges, including addressing economic grievances and restoring public trust in Namibia’s democratic institutions.
Chioma Kalu
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