Namibia has made history by electing its first female president, 72-year-old Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, in a tightly contested election that has sparked controversy and opposition rejection.
The ruling SWAPO party, which has governed the mineral-rich nation since independence in 1990, declared victory last week, with Nandi-Ndaitwah securing 57 percent of the vote. Her closest rival, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), garnered 25.5 percent, according to the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN).
Despite her historic win, the election has been fraught with allegations of irregularities and logistical challenges. The November 27 polls were marred by technical failures, including malfunctioning electronic voter registration devices and a shortage of ballot papers. These issues forced voting to be extended twice, with some citizens queuing for up to 12 hours before abandoning the process in frustration.
“There were a multitude of irregularities,” said Itula, who has vowed that the IPC would “not recognize the outcome of that election” and would pursue legal means to nullify the results. Election monitors from a regional human rights group also reported intentional delays at voting stations.
The ECN has admitted to organizational shortcomings, acknowledging failures such as ballot paper shortages and overheating of voter registration devices. However, it reported a high turnout, with 77 percent of the nearly 1.5 million registered voters casting their ballots.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, widely referred to by her initials NNN, now faces the challenge of addressing Namibia’s pressing economic issues. A leading exporter of uranium and diamonds, the country has struggled to ensure its wealth translates into improved infrastructure and job opportunities. Youth unemployment remains a critical issue, with the latest figures estimating it at 46 percent.
During her campaign, Nandi-Ndaitwah pledged to “create jobs by attracting investments using economic diplomacy.”
A seasoned SWAPO veteran and the daughter of an Anglican pastor, she is celebrated for her dedication and often recognized by her gold-framed glasses and her party’s colors of blue, red, and green, which she wore throughout the campaign.
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