Namibia has made history by electing Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female president, according to results released by the country’s Electoral Commission on Tuesday.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, a veteran politician from the ruling SWAPO party, secured approximately 57% of the vote, extending the party’s dominance since Namibia’s independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.
Having served as vice president and foreign minister, Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed her gratitude, stating, “The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability.”
Her victory marks a significant milestone in the country’s political landscape.
Her victory marks a historic moment, continuing SWAPO’s 34-year rule since Namibia’s independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.
“I am humbled by the trust you have placed in me. The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said following her win.
VOA reports that Nandi-Ndaitwah’s main challenger in the election was Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) party, who finished second with approximately 26% of the votes.
Namibians voted separately for the National Assembly, where SWAPO secured a majority, winning 51 out of the 96 elected seats.
However, the IPC won 20 seats, making it the official opposition.
The IPC has announced plans to challenge the results in court, claiming that the electoral process was “deeply flawed.”
The November 27 vote was marred by technical issues and a shortage of ballot papers, which delayed the release of results and led to extended voting in some areas.
Political analysts had previously speculated that SWAPO’s victory was uncertain due to rising frustration over high unemployment and inequality.
However, the party maintained strong support in rural areas and loyalty among older voters, who remain faithful to SWAPO due to its role in the national liberation struggle.
Analyst Rakkel Andreas noted that Nandi-Ndaitwah had successfully united various factions within SWAPO and maintained a clean reputation, avoiding the corruption allegations that have tarnished other party members.
“She is a stateswoman. She has been in some form of leadership since we gained independence,” Andreas said. “She understands the system.”