Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, vice president of the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), has been elected as Namibia’s first female president following a contentious election.
The Electoral Commission announced that Nandi-Ndaitwah secured over 57% of the vote, defeating her closest rival, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), who garnered 26%. However, logistical issues and a three-day extension of polling in some areas have led Itula and his party to challenge the results in court, citing a “deeply flawed” process.
The election results were boycotted by most opposition parties, and Windhoek, the capital, remained calm with residents continuing their daily routines. Speaking after her victory, Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized the nation’s commitment to “peace and stability.”
Swapo, which has governed Namibia since independence in 1990, retained a slim parliamentary majority, winning 51 of the 96 elected seats—a loss of 12. The IPC, now the official opposition, won 20 seats.
Tirivangani Masawi, a political journalist, described the election as Swapo’s “worst performance since independence.” Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission of Namibia acknowledged organizational failures, including ballot shortages and technical breakdowns, but denied allegations of fraud.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated Nandi-Ndaitwah, highlighting her election as a milestone for democracy and women’s leadership in the region. Upon her swearing-in, she will join Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan as one of only two female presidents in Africa.
