Namibia is set to elect its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Swapo, who has surpassed 58% of the votes amid electoral disputes. Her main opponent, Panduleni Itula of the IPC, received over 25% but has rejected the results, citing misconduct by the electoral commission. Swapo has been in power since 1990, and Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory would elevate her to a unique position in African politics.
Namibia is poised to elect its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, from the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), as over 90% of votes from last week’s controversial election have been counted. The electoral commission reported that Nandi-Ndaitwah garnered more than 58% of the votes, while her nearest competitor, Panduleni Itula, received just above 25%. Despite these results, Itula announced that his party will not acknowledge the outcome due to alleged electoral malpractice and logistical issues that required an extension of polling in certain areas.
Swapo has maintained its hold on power in Namibia since the nation’s independence in 1990, having been instrumental in the fight against apartheid South Africa. Speculation prior to the elections suggested that Swapo might face a decline similar to other liberation parties in the region, notably South Africa’s ANC, which recently lost its outright parliamentary majority, and Botswana’s Democratic Party, which was ousted after a lengthy tenure.
As a well-established figure in Namibian politics, Nandi-Ndaitwah, who currently serves as vice-president, brings with her extensive experience, having participated in high-level governmental roles for over 25 years. If elected, she would become the second female president in Africa, following Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan. For a candidate to avoid a runoff, they must secure more than 50% of the votes cast.
Itula, a trained dentist and leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), is regarded as a more charismatic figure compared to Nandi-Ndaitwah and had previously diminished Swapo’s popularity during the last presidential election in 2019, where the party’s vote share dropped from 87% to 56%. The IPC has announced plans to seek legal recourse, advising individuals who felt disenfranchised during the elections to report to the authorities.
The impending election of Namibia’s first female president marks a significant milestone in the nation’s political landscape. Following decades of governance by the Swapo party, the elections were overshadowed by controversies regarding electoral malpractice and logistical challenges. The backdrop of Swapo’s long-standing influence, coupled with recent shifts in other liberation parties across southern Africa, adds complexity to this electoral cycle. The election outcomes not only reflect the sentiments of the Namibian populace but also resonate with broader trends in the region that may impact future governance and political dynamics.
In summary, Namibia is on the brink of electing its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, amidst allegations of electoral irregularities raised by her main rival, Panduleni Itula. As Swapo seeks to sustain its political dominance, this election could have wider implications for the future of governance in Namibia and the political landscape of southern Africa. The developments following the elections will be closely monitored as both parties navigate the aftermath of the contested results.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
