Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, leader of Namibia’s governing South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), has been declared the country’s first female president following last week’s contentious election.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) announced she secured over 57% of the vote, defeating her closest rival, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), who garnered 26%.
The election, marred by logistical setbacks and a three-day polling extension in some areas, has drawn criticism from the IPC and other opposition groups. Itula described the process as “deeply flawed,” with his party vowing to contest the results in court.
Claus Goldbeck, an IPC official, told the BBC the election was an “organisational mess,” citing ballot shortages and malfunctioning scanners at numerous polling stations. Some voters reportedly stood in line for up to 14 hours, only to be turned away.
While the ECN admitted to operational failures, Chairperson Elsie Nghikembua denied allegations of fraud, urging citizens to accept the results “with unity and reconciliation.”
Most opposition parties boycotted Tuesday evening’s result announcement in the capital, Windhoek. Despite the political tensions, the city remained calm on Wednesday, with no public celebrations or protests reported.
Swapo, which has governed Namibia since independence in 1990, narrowly retained its parliamentary majority, winning 51 of the 96 elected seats—a significant drop from its previous position. The IPC emerged as the official opposition, securing 20 seats.
Tirivangani Masawi, a political journalist, described the election as Swapo’s “worst performance since independence.” Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory follows declining support for the party, with its presidential vote share falling from 87% in 2014 to 56% in 2019 under Itula’s challenge.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, a seasoned politician and Swapo stalwart who has served in high government roles for over 25 years, praised Namibians for voting “for peace and stability.”
Her victory marks a historic moment, making her the first woman to lead the southern African nation and joining Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan as the only female presidents in Africa.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated Nandi-Ndaitwah, stating, “Your election as fifth President of the Republic and the first woman in our region to hold this high office is a testament to democracy and its ability to transform our societies.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency begins amidst growing dissatisfaction with Swapo’s governance, underlined by widespread unemployment and allegations of corruption. As Namibia embarks on this new chapter, the president-elect has called for unity and pledged to uphold the values of peace and progress.
