Namibia has made history with the election of 72-year-old Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female president.
The announcement followed a contentious election process held last week, which was marked by allegations of electoral malpractice and logistical failures.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, the current vice-president and a senior member of the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), secured 57% of the vote, defeating her closest rival, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), who garnered 25.5%. However, despite her victory, the election results have been challenged, leading to a storm of controversy and opposition rejection.
Allegations of Electoral Malpractice
The election, which was conducted on November 27, was marred by a series of logistical problems, including malfunctioning voter registration devices and a shortage of ballot papers. These issues led to extended voting periods, with some polling stations remaining open for three additional days. Voters at some stations reported waiting in line for over 12 hours, with many eventually abandoning the process in frustration.
“There were a multitude of irregularities,” said Itula, who has since vowed that the IPC will not recognize the election results and plans to pursue legal action to have the results nullified. His position has been echoed by other opposition parties, which boycotted the official results announcement on Tuesday evening in Windhoek.
Election monitors from a regional human rights group supported these claims, reporting significant delays at various voting stations. The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) acknowledged the issues, citing technical failures, including overheating voter registration devices and the shortage of ballot papers. Despite these challenges, the ECN reported a high voter turnout of 77% among the nearly 1.5 million registered voters.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s Campaign and Political Background
Nandi-Ndaitwah, often known by her initials “NNN,” now faces the challenge of leading the country through significant economic difficulties. While Namibia is a major exporter of uranium and diamonds, it has struggled to convert its mineral wealth into improved infrastructure and job opportunities. Youth unemployment remains particularly concerning, with estimates showing the rate is as high as 46%.
During her campaign, Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized economic diplomacy as a tool to attract investments and create jobs. As a veteran of the Swapo party and daughter of an Anglican pastor, she is regarded as a dedicated and experienced leader. Throughout her campaign, she was known for wearing signature gold-framed glasses and the party’s colors of blue, red, and green.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s historic election marks a significant milestone for Namibia’s political history, making her only the second female president in Africa, joining Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan. However, her leadership will be tested by the need to address the country’s divisive political landscape and persistent economic challenges.
A Historic Yet Divisive Victory
While her election represents a breakthrough for women in African politics, it is overshadowed by the ongoing dispute over the election process. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership will not only require uniting a divided electorate but also addressing the serious economic issues affecting the nation. As Namibia’s first female president, she will be tasked with bridging the gap between the government and its critics while ensuring that Namibia’s resources are utilized effectively to benefit all citizens.
