Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is likely to become Namibia’s first female president, achieving over 58% of votes in a disputed election. Her closest rival, Panduleni Itula of the IPC, alleges electoral malpractice and plans to reject the results. Swapo has been in power since 1990, and this election raises questions about the party’s future.
Namibia appears poised to elect its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, representing the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo). With over 90% of votes counted from the recent election, Nandi-Ndaitwah has garnered more than 58% of the vote, surpassing her nearest competitor, Panduleni Itula, who received just over 25%. Notably, Itula’s party has indicated it will not accept the results due to allegations of electoral malpractice.
Since gaining independence in 1990, Swapo has maintained its authority in Namibia, having spearheaded the fight for nationhood against apartheid South Africa. In the lead-up to last Wednesday’s election, there were concerns regarding Swapo possibly facing a similar fate to other liberation movements in the region, such as South Africa’s African National Congress and Botswana Democratic Party, which have both recently lost power.
A seasoned political figure, Nandi-Ndaitwah currently serves as vice-president and has accumulated extensive government experience over the past 25 years. If she succeeds, she would join Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan as one of the few female presidents in Africa. To avoid a run-off election, a candidate must achieve over 50% of the votes.
Panduleni Itula, who is perceived as a charismatic leader, represents the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) party. His performance in the 2019 election—where Swapo’s vote share fell from 87% to 56%—demonstrated his influence. In response to the recent election, the IPC has vowed to pursue justice through legal channels and has advised dissatisfied voters to report mismanagement to the police.
In summary, Namibia is on track to elect its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Swapo, following a controversial election marked by allegations of malpractice. Swapo has held power since Namibia’s independence, but recent political dynamics raise questions about its future. With Itula’s IPC planning legal action, this election raises critical issues concerning electoral integrity in the region. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s potential victory would not only be historic for Namibia but also contribute to the representation of women in African leadership.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
