Our reporter
Namibia has made history with Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah becoming its first female president following a tightly contested election. Before ascending to the presidency, Nandi-Ndaitwah served as Namibia’s vice president and has been a long-standing member of the ruling SWAPO Party.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) declared Nandi-Ndaitwah the winner after she secured 57% of the votes, defeating her closest rival, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), who garnered 25.5%. Despite her victory, the election has been overshadowed by disputes, with opposition parties refusing to acknowledge the results.
Logistical challenges and technical issues marred the election process, leading to a three-day extension of polling in some regions. Opposition leader Itula, aged 67, dismissed the results as flawed, vowing to contest them in court. “We cannot accept these outcomes and will seek to nullify the election through legal channels,” he said.
The SWAPO Party, which has governed Namibia since its independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990, faces increasing criticism over its management of the country. However, Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, has called for unity, emphasizing her administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability. “The Namibian people have chosen a path of peace and progress,” she said during her acceptance speech.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was among the first international leaders to congratulate Nandi-Ndaitwah. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), he praised her leadership and expressed optimism for strengthened ties between the neighboring nations.
“On behalf of South Africa, I extend warm congratulations to President-Elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and the SWAPO Party,” Ramaphosa said. “Your leadership will undoubtedly strengthen our shared history and pave the way for a prosperous future for our people.”
As Namibia prepares for a new chapter under its first female leader, attention remains on how Nandi-Ndaitwah will navigate the challenges posed by a divided political landscape and an emboldened opposition.
