Namibia’s Vice-President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has made history as the country’s first female president-elect after the ruling SWAPO party won last week’s elections. The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) announced on Tuesday that Nandi-Ndaitwah secured over 57% of the vote, defeating her closest challenger, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), who garnered 25.5%.
This victory extends SWAPO’s uninterrupted dominance since Namibia’s independence in 1990. However, the election process has been marred by controversy. The IPC has rejected the results, alleging widespread irregularities, including logistical failures like ballot shortages and overheated voter registration devices, which caused long delays. Some voters reportedly left polling stations after waiting up to 12 hours.
Despite these challenges, the ECN confirmed that voter turnout was approximately 77%. Observers from a southern African legal rights organization criticized the delays as deliberate and systematic.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, a veteran politician and SWAPO stalwart, campaigned on promises of “economic diplomacy,” aiming to boost job creation through increased investment. Known for her experience and commitment, she is recognized for her conservative upbringing as the daughter of an Anglican pastor and her unwavering loyalty to SWAPO.
Her election comes at a challenging time for Namibia, which is grappling with youth unemployment at 46%—nearly three times the national average—and growing dissatisfaction with the ruling party among younger voters.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s historic win places her among the few women leading African nations and is seen as both a landmark for gender equality and a critical test of SWAPO’s ability to maintain its political influence amid regional shifts away from liberation-era ruling parties.
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