Namibia writes a new chapter in its history with the election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the country’s first female president.
Swapo party leader Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, whose party has been in power since Namibia’s independence in 1990, won the presidency with 57% of the votes, avoiding a much-feared runoff. Her victory is significant not only for the liberation party but also for female representation in African politics, as Nandi-Ndaitwah joins a small group of female leaders on the continent, currently led by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Despite the celebratory tone of her triumph, the elections were marred by organizational challenges that have sparked accusations of irregularities from her opponents. A shortage of ballots and numerous technical failures forced an extension of the voting period, a decision that many have called illegal. The opposition, led by Panduleni Itula and his Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) party, has announced plans to contest the results and take legal action against the winners.
A member of the underground independence movement in the 1970s, Nandi-Ndaitwah has solidified her reputation as a reliable leader, steering clear of the scandals that have tainted some members of the Swapo party. Her victory defies a regional trend where liberation movements have suffered crushing defeats, such as South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC), which lost its parliamentary majority for the first time, and Botswana’s Democratic Party, ousted after nearly six decades in power.
Swapo, however, recorded its worst performance in history, securing only 53% of parliamentary votes, down significantly from 65% five years ago. This decline reflects the growing dissatisfaction of a youthful population eager for change.
The newly elected president emphasized the importance of her mandate in a complex global context. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was quick to praise her election, calling it a “historic moment for democracy and the role of women in leadership.”
The opposition remains resolute, fueled by the charismatic Itula, who, despite not matching his 2019 success, has cemented the IPC’s status as a rising political force.
While no celebrations or protests are expected in the capital, Windhoek, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election marks a turning point. Her role will be crucial in addressing economic challenges, demands for more transparent governance, and the increasing call for renewal.
