Namibia Elects First Female President

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah makes history as Namibia’s leader, but election disputes loom.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been declared Namibia’s first female president, following a contentious election that was marred by technical difficulties, logistical challenges, and protests from opposition parties. The election, which took place last Wednesday, faced widespread disruptions, including ballot shortages that forced officials to extend the voting period by three days. This extension, however, was criticized by opposition groups, some of whom have vowed to take legal action to nullify the results, arguing that it violated the country’s electoral laws.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, secured 57% of the vote, defying expectations of a runoff and becoming the fifth president of Namibia since the country gained independence from South Africa in 1990. Her victory is particularly historic, as she is not only the first woman to hold the office, but also a veteran of Namibia’s liberation struggle. She joined SWAPO’s (South West Africa People’s Organization) underground movement in the 1970s and later studied in the Soviet Union, where she received part of her education. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s political career is deeply intertwined with Namibia’s journey to independence and its post-liberation history. She was appointed vice president in February 2024 following the passing of President Hage Geingob, and her ascendancy to the presidency is seen as a culmination of decades of public service.

Her ruling party, SWAPO, managed to retain its parliamentary majority with 51 seats, narrowly surpassing the 49 required to govern. However, the party delivered its worst-ever electoral performance, signaling a shift in the political landscape of the country. For the first time since independence, SWAPO’s dominance has been seriously challenged, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with the party’s handling of economic issues and its failure to address the needs of young Namibians facing high unemployment and other social challenges.

Despite the party’s continued dominance, the election was marred by serious concerns about its fairness. Ballot shortages across various polling stations resulted in long delays and extended voting hours. The extension of voting, while necessary to accommodate the logistical challenges, has been seen by opposition parties as unconstitutional. They argue that the election’s outcome is flawed, alleging that thousands of Namibians were disenfranchised due to these delays. In response, the Electoral Commission of Namibia rejected calls for a rerun and maintained the legitimacy of the election. The Commission’s stance has done little to quell the anger among opposition groups, which have expressed their intention to challenge the results in court.

Panduleni Itula, the main opposition candidate from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), secured 25% of the vote and placed second in the election. Itula has been outspoken in his criticism of the election process, accusing the government of manipulating the system to ensure a SWAPO victory. He claims that the election violated the very principles of the Electoral Act, and has vowed to seek legal redress to ensure that the voices of those who were allegedly disenfranchised are heard. Several other opposition parties have also joined in the protests, and they collectively boycotted the announcement of the results in Windhoek, further deepening the divide between the ruling party and its critics.

While Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory marks a significant milestone for gender equality, her administration will face the daunting task of addressing the widespread dissatisfaction with SWAPO’s governance. Namibia, though known for its political stability, is not immune to the pressures facing many other southern African nations. Economic challenges, including high unemployment rates, limited opportunities for the youth, and widespread poverty, have eroded the once-unshakeable support for SWAPO. Similar pressures have led to significant political shifts across the region. In South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years, and in Botswana, the ruling party was ousted after 58 years in power. Mozambique has seen violent protests in response to allegations of electoral fraud, underscoring the increasing frustration with long-ruling liberation parties.

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory, however, offers continuity for the SWAPO party and its policies. She pledged in her victory speech to prioritize peace, stability, and youth empowerment, promising to deliver on the promises made during her campaign. “We are going to do what we promised you during the campaigns,” she told her supporters. “Thank you for your confidence and trust in us.” Nandi-Ndaitwah’s rhetoric of stability and unity may resonate with many Namibians who are still hopeful that the country can weather its current challenges.

However, the challenges facing Nandi-Ndaitwah’s administration are significant. Namibia’s rich natural resources, including diamonds, uranium, and potential offshore oil and gas reserves, position the country as a growing player in global energy markets. Yet, the benefits of these resources have not been equitably distributed among the population, and the country faces rising inequality. Namibia also grapples with issues such as land reform, economic diversification, and the provision of basic services, all of which have contributed to growing discontent with the government’s performance. Furthermore, the controversy surrounding the recent election has raised concerns about the legitimacy of Namibia’s democratic processes, with many wondering whether the electoral system is robust enough to withstand the growing divisions between the ruling party and opposition forces.

Despite these challenges, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership may provide a much-needed opportunity for change. Her administration will likely have to balance the demands of economic reform with the need to restore public trust in Namibia’s democratic institutions. The country’s political future will depend not only on the leadership of Nandi-Ndaitwah but also on the ability of all political stakeholders to come together and address the pressing issues of governance, youth empowerment, and economic development.

As Namibia moves forward under its first female president, the eyes of the nation and the world will be on her leadership. Will she be able to fulfill her promises of peace, stability, and progress, or will the shadow of election controversy and rising opposition undermine her mandate? Only time will tell.